PHOENIX — Officials with the Arizona Department of Transportation met Friday morning in Winslow for an Arizona State Transportation Board meeting.
They told ABC15 last week they would use this meeting to ask for funding for interim repairs. If approved, the department can get started on those repairs within the month.
Click here for details on the meeting.
The meeting comes amid ABC15's ongoing coverage of pothole problems on Arizona roadways.
On Tuesday, April 12, ADOT officials finally went on camera for the first time to answer our questions.
The department held an executive meeting to discuss how to move forward with pavement repairs on highways that were damaged by winter weather. They also made themselves available for an interview with ABC15. This comes months after our Operation Safe Roads team started putting pressure on them and after reaching out to the governor's office.
It's become a reoccurring theme - potholes plaguing multiple roadways in our state.
"I had to swerve off the road and thank god we're alive," Anna Margaret told ABC15 about her drive on I-40 near Seligman.
While there have been many issues on I-40, it is not the only roadway in the state that has been falling apart. Another road we've received many complaints about is US 60.
"Bad and then started getting worse," said Wickenburg resident Sam Aro to ABC15 last week.
ADOT told ABC15 they will be focusing on these 300 miles of roadway:
- I-40 W of Flagstaff
- I-17 S of Flagstaff
- US 60 S of Wickenburg
- SR 260 - Mogollon Rim area
"Some of those spots... today would be considered poor," said ADOT State Engineer Gregory Byres.
He said the pothole problem happens every year. So then, what makes this year different?
"Record snowfall, record rainfall. So, consequently, it plays havoc with our pavements," Byres explained.
ADOT said their crews are working as quickly as possible to make temporary patching fixes.
"We've used well over 400 tons just in the month of March of patch material," Byres said. "We've used over 900 tons of material over the last three or four months."
However, that is not a permanent solution. We asked ADOT what the plan is for a real solution.
"Basically, milling off the existing surface down for about two inches and coming back with new pavement," says Byres.
But those repairs are likely to only last about five years or so. Nonetheless, that's what ADOT is moving forward with for now.
RELATED: US 60 pavement project causing more problems for drivers
They are reprioritizing funds to make that possible and have a meeting with the Arizona State Transportation Board to discuss the plan this month.
ABC15 asked if that is the best option for roads described by drivers as dangerous in the meantime.
"So, we're asking them [drivers] to take that risk until we can get some more of that work done?" ABC15 asked Byres.
After some silence - we asked again, "How is that not a risk? How is that not a risk?"
"It's a risk to get on the road," Byres said. "Anytime you get in a 3,000-pound vehicle and go 70 miles an hour down the roadway, it's a risk."
"It doesn't help when roads are not maintained well enough for drivers to make their way through some of these areas. That's the bottom line," we responded. ADOT had no further response.
Representative Quang Nguyen, a Republican representing District 1, which covers much of Yavapai County, told ABC15 he thinks about the danger every time he rides his motorcycle.
"I try and avoid those things, because I do think I’m just going to flip over and die if I hit one," said Rep. Nguyen.
Nguyen said at a recent community meeting that the first three questions were all about potholes and the quality of Highways 69 and 89 in his district.
When asked to give Arizona roads a letter grade, he responded, "Between D’s and F’s. That’s how bad it is. We are talking about three or four-inch deep potholes, maybe a couple of feet wide in some sections."
Representative Myron Tsosie told ABC15 that in Navajo County the potholes impact the trucks that are transporting food and water to rural, indigenous communities.
"Yet you see [the trucks] sitting on the side of the road because they have busted tires. Why? Potholes," said Rep. Tsosie. "this is a serious problem. It’s only getting worse...So this needs to be addressed."
Governor Katie Hobbs and state senators Ken Bennett and Juan Mendez say the long-term fix though is ensuring ADOT is better funded.
"It's a huge issue across the state," said Governor Hobbs, at a news conference Wednesday. "And we are working with [ADOT] to ensure there is funding to address it."
"The most important thing we need to do at the state level is not take away HURF from fixing roads," said Republican Senator Ken Bennett.
"Without the revenue coming in, consistently and sustainably, this leaves us without the ability to pivot," said Democratic Senator Juan Mendez.
ABC15 will continue to check in with ADOT about the patching plan, as well as the plan for a longer-term solution.
Drivers can submit claims for damage to vehicles against the state.
ABC15 reached out to the Arizona Department of Administration which said drivers will need to fill out a Notice of Claim. Drivers can also look here for more information on filing a claim.
Have a road issue or a question for Operation Safe Roads? Call 833-AZ-ROADS or email roads@abc15.com.