Payson MVD office moving to new location

For all you readers in northern Gila County, we’ve got some news for you…

ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division is opening a new office in Payson.

Beginning on Monday, Jan. 28, customers in northern Gila County and the surrounding areas, who regularly conduct MVD transactions at the Payson office, will be doing so at a new, larger location.

The current location will close on Jan. 24 and remain closed on Jan. 25. During this time, no MVD transactions will be performed at the office location. This closure time period will allow for the preparation of the new facility to be ready for opening at 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 28.

Easy to find with its central location in the Payson Village Center near the Junction of State Route 260 and 87, the new office is at 122 East Highway 260, Suite 122, in Payson.

The new location will have several improvements to provide better service, such as a larger parking area for customers, and will accommodate large vehicles requiring inspection. The interior has a larger waiting area and a comfortable setting in order for customers to be served more efficiently. This facility will provide a wide range of driver license and motor vehicle title/registration services.

For more information on Motor Vehicle Division office locations, visit the MVD webpage.

Drivers need to watch for rain and snow on the road

Rain, snow and cooler temperatures
are all in the state’s forecast this weekend.

Rain, snow and cooler temperatures are all in the state’s forecast this weekend, which means motorists could face some driving conditions they don’t deal with too often.

But, even if all of us desert-dwellers don’t experience rainy, winter weather on a frequent basis, drivers still can (and should) learn about what to expect out on the roads…

Driving in the rain 
Many motorists realize that driving in heavy rain can be hazardous, especially when you throw in other conditions like wind.

However, another factor that drivers might not be aware of is the effect of the grime and oil on the road’s surface – that residue can mix with the rain to make the road slippery. The Arizona Driver License Manual recommends watching out for this effect during the first 30 minutes after rain begins.

Hydroplaning is another hazard that may occur during rainstorms…

In a heavy rain, your tires can ride on a film of water, and at 50 mph your tires can lose all contact with the road. Under-inflated, worn, or bald tires lose contact with the road at much lower speeds. A slight change of direction or gust of wind could throw your vehicle into a skid.

The best way to prevent hydroplaning is to slow down. If your car does hydroplane:

• Take your foot off the accelerator. 
• Do not brake. 
• Avoid steering changes (if possible). 
• Hold the wheel firmly until your tires grip the road again. 

One more important tip: Do not cross flooded washes!

Watching out for snow and ice 
Snow limits visibility, so turning on your headlights is necessary to see and to be seen.

Often, snow will completely cover lane markings. Drivers may tend to move away from the edge of the road, thus passing closer to each other. Snow or ice between your tires and the road greatly reduces your traction and increases the distance you need to stop by at least six seconds. On slippery surfaces, you have the most traction and control when the front tires are rolling; therefore, your vehicle will respond better to steering than to braking.

If you decide to brake on ice or other slippery surfaces, apply the brakes gently, increasing the pressure as you feel the tires grip the road. Do not brake to the point that the wheels lock. If the wheels should lock, ease slightly off the brakes, but do not release them completely. This action may unlock them without losing brake power entirely. Then apply the brakes and ease off again, repeating the process.

Here are some other suggestions for safe winter driving:

• Before you start driving, clear snow or ice from all windows and lights so you can see and be seen. 
• Equip your car with snow tires or chains to help prevent skidding and reduce stopping distances. 
• Drive gently; do not change speed or direction suddenly. 
• Slow down before stopping or turning (driving on packed snow is much like driving on ice). 
• Watch for ice on bridges and in shady areas (bridge surfaces freeze before other road surfaces). 

More information…
What’s above is just the start – more information and safe-driving tips can be found in the Arizona Driver License Manual and on the ADOT website.

You can also check out our “Know Snow” webpage for preparation ideas and snowplowing schedules and routes. And, as always, drivers are encouraged to call 511 or log on to the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov before they head out on the road for the latest highway conditions around the state. The site features images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.

Demolition of old Gila River Bridge under way in Bylas

After 56 years, it’s time for the old Gila River Bridge to retire…

Located on US 70 about a mile west of the Bylas community on the San Carlos Apache reservation, the bridge, which was built in 1957, is now being demolished.

But don’t worry. Motorists will still have a bridge to serve their needs. In fact, the new bridge sits right next to where the old bridge stood.

We told you about this project last summer, but here’s a little refresher:

The old 23-span steel girder bridge was in use until the new 15-span precast concrete girder bridge was constructed and opened to drivers. The $12.7 million replacement project not only gives drivers a new bridge with wider travel lanes and emergency shoulders, but the project includes intersection improvements and a pedestrian walkway, too.

You can see in the video above that the need for a new bridge stemmed from the condition of the old bridge – it was just inadequate for the needs of traffic in the area.

“We’ve had weight limitations for the last couple of years, so the big trucks can’t even cross the bridge,” Safford District Resident Engineer Brian Jevas says.

Safford District Engineer Bill Harmon explains further…

“The bridge that’s being demolished right now was constructed in 1957 and it was showing its age. It was what we call functionally obsolete – it was narrow,” says Harmon, adding that the new bridge has wider lanes, shoulders and a walkway.

Once demo on the old bridge is complete by the end of next week, crews will still need to come back to the site and finish up some paving work. That’s scheduled to start in mid-April and should be done by the end of May.

One more bit of information…
Demolition crews have taken steps to prevent pieces of the old bridge from falling into the water below.

Since the river is running very narrow right now, the water is only below one of the 23 spans of the deck. Beneath that deck is a chain-link net to catch large debris coming off the old bridge during demolition. Downstream from the bridge, a catchment fence has been placed in the river bed to capture any smaller debris so it can be removed from the river channel.

For more information on the US 70 Gila River Bridge replacement, visit the project webpage.

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ADOT's bicycle and pedestrian plan rolls out public comment period

ADOT’s statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan has come a long way since we first told you about it last May…

Back then, ADOT was asking people across Arizona to share their thoughts on getting around by bike or by foot along our state highway system.

Today, we’re looking for feedback again, but this time around the plan is closer to being finalized and ADOT wants to know what you think of the draft final report.

“We’re calling on the public and members of the bicycling and pedestrian communities to provide us with their ideas on the 24 recommended strategies that are outlined in the draft final report,” said Michael Sanders, ADOT’s bicycle and pedestrian program coordinator. “It’s this kind of feedback that allows us to refine the goals and objectives of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and continue our work to develop changes in safety, infrastructure, and education, as they apply to our state highway system.”

The recommended strategies fall into three categories: plans and policies; education, enforcement, encouragement and evaluation; and bicyclist and pedestrian infrastructure. All of these strategies are aimed at building on programs and policies that first began in 2003 with the launch of ADOT’s first comprehensive Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.

More about the plan
The updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan is expected to be finalized this spring. Last summer, more than 1,800 people responded to a survey during the first phase of public involvement for the plan update. The end of 2012 also brought the finalization of the Bicycle Safety Action Plan, a task defined in the 2003 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.

ADOT’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was developed as part of a federal long-range bicycle transportation and pedestrian walkways plan. It is also part of Arizona’s Long Range Transportation Plan, also known as “What Moves You Arizona.”

How to give your feedback
The public comment period runs until Feb. 8. You can find the draft final report and the comment form can be found on the ADOT website.

Paper copies of the comment form can be requested by calling 602-712-8141or by sending the request to ADOT’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program at 206 S. 17th Avenue, Mail Drop 310B, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

ADOT seeks public comment for passenger rail, bus study connecting Phoenix, Tucson

ADOT is calling on the public to
provide input on the Passenger
Rail Corridor Study.

In early 2011 ADOT launched a study examining the feasibility of a passenger rail line or express bus service between Phoenix and Tucson.

At that time, ADOT asked for the public’s input regarding rail and other transportation alternatives between these two metropolitan areas. (You might remember this blog post or this one?)

ADOT received a lot of comments (3,075 to be exact) and was able to move forward by identifying six potential rail alternatives and one express bus alternative. These are routes that could link Phoenix and Tucson, while meeting demands for future growth and travel options along one of the busiest interstate corridors in Arizona.

A new opportunity to voice your opinion…
ADOT is again calling on the public to provide input. We want to know what you think of the seven alternatives that have been selected for further study.

To get this feedback, ADOT is participating in a series of community events in Maricopa, Pinal and Pima counties to reach out to community members and get ideas and opinions on the seven options. The public can also participate by taking an online survey.

The survey and complete list of outreach events can be found at azdot.gov/passengerrail. The public comment period runs through Dec. 15.

Along with the seven potential alignments, (all of which can be viewed HERE) ADOT is studying sites for station locations. The alignments include system hubs located near downtown Phoenix and downtown Tucson, and each includes extensions beyond the system hubs that would link to the west Phoenix metropolitan area, as well as Tucson International Airport.

Next Steps… 
Based on the technical analysis and the public input received this fall, ADOT will then narrow the seven alternatives down to two or three final options in early 2013. Once the study ends in late 2013, ADOT is expected to select a locally preferred alternative.

Should the study conclude that a passenger rail line or bus service is feasible between Phoenix and Tucson, ADOT would complete further planning and environmental studies and development activities prior to construction of any segment in the corridor.

There is currently no funding identified to build a passenger rail line. ADOT will work with the public, stakeholders and policymakers to identify a funding source, should the project move forward.

More information on ADOT’s Passenger Rail Corridor Study can be found online.

Note: This blog has been edited since first published to correct a minor error -- the initial study launched in early 2011, NOT fall 2011 as was previously stated.

From the Archives: ADOT goes to the state fair

The State Fair has been an Arizona institution since before Arizona was even a state.

It got its start 128 years ago when a group of early settlers worked together and planned an event featuring agricultural exhibits, home economic displays and even some pony races, according to the Arizona State Fair’s official website.

We imagine that original endeavor was notably different from the state fair everyone knows and loves today...

First of all, we’re almost certain that nobody was selling any deep-fried cinnamon rolls back then.

And, it’s a good bet that ADOT wasn’t there yet either.

But we were there in 1973 (when ADOT was still known as the Arizona Highway Department) as these photos clearly show!

There’s a lot to take in, but our attention is immediately drawn to the lit-from-behind Arizona interstate map in the photo above – compare it to a more modern map, and you can quickly see how much our state has grown.

And, we can’t quite make out the text on the literature that’s being handed out to fair-goers in the photo at left, but we definitely recognize the stack of Arizona Highways magazines – we’re so glad that publication is still showing off the best scenes in the state!

Finally, did you notice the coffin that's staged in the Traffic Safety Division section of the booth (photo above right)? It likely intrigued all the fair-attendees that year. Traffic safety was, and still is, a serious matter and the message on the coffin is simple, but makes an impact. It reads: “Please Drive Carefully. Don’t End Up in Here.”

Now it’s 40 years later and did you know that ADOT still has a presence at the annual Arizona State Fair? We’ll be there when the fair rolls around again this fall and we hope you’ll stop by and see us!

It’s safe to say things have changed since 1912 when the Arizona Highway Department was first established. But you don’t just have to take our word … we’ve got plenty of pictures to prove it. We combed through our archives and decided to periodically post these photos from the past in a blog series we’re calling, “From the ADOT Archives.”

Cold temperatures put some projects on hold for the season

A snowy Arizona scene from last year.

Winter weather in Arizona can get pretty severe and in some spots the conditions are enough to bring ADOT construction to a halt…

Projects are put on pause in the state’s high country when it becomes too cold to pour concrete or place asphalt pavement (rubberized asphalt is very sensitive to temperature variations)

And, like we said in this post from last year, just because a project goes on hiatus our crews don’t just drop what they’re doing…

Work stops at a logical point and the work zone is generally left in a condition that doesn’t impede traffic – drivers may notice some barricades and should be aware as they’re driving through project sites.

ADOT workers who manage or inspect the projects either switch gears to next-year’s planning, or are reassigned to maintenance for the season.

Here’s a list of projects that have either already been suspended for the winter, or will be stopped soon:

• I-15 paving project in northwestern Arizona (ADOT will return in the spring to apply the top layer of asphalt when weather is optimal. The final phase of the project will take about one month to complete and is expected to begin in late March 2013.)
• Reconstruction of the I-17 traffic interchange at Munds Park (the project is nearly finished, but crews will return in 2013 to apply the top layer of asphalt pavement).
• SR 77 paving project from Shumway through Snowflake.
• A westbound I-10 pavement project that encompasses 14 miles from the east end of Texas Canyon to the east side of Benson (will shut down for the winter months and then wrap up with the final surface coat when it warms up).
• I-10/SR 90 traffic interchange project (will shut down for the winter months and then wrap up with the final surface coat when it warms up).
• SR 260 Doubtful Canyon project – the project team is preparing for winter shutdown due to inclement weather, but not necessarily completely shutting down the project.

Besides what is listed above, there are several projects that could be shut down if an area receives too much snow, or if temperatures drop low enough to make it too cold for crews to work.

For more on how ADOT operates during the cold season, check out our previous blog posts. And, for tools, maps and other information designed to assist you this winter, visit ADOT’s Know Snow web page.

Don’t forget … you can always learn about the latest highway conditions by visiting the ADOT Travel Information site at az511.gov or by calling 511.  

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Some highways to close for winter season in high country

Taken in Feb. 2011, this photo shows a snowy Flagstaff.

It’s that time of year again…

Temperatures are dropping across the state and some areas have already seen snow.

The start of the winter season means motorists traveling through Arizona’s high country need to be aware of ADOT’s annual road closures.

A handful of state routes across the state are closed annually due to the significant amount of snowfall and most are reopened in the spring.

• State Route 67 between Jacob Lake (US 89A) and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon (31 miles) will close on Dec. 4.  
• State Route 473 to Hawley Lake is the first of three highways in the White Mountains that will shut down this winter, beginning on Thursday, Nov. 15. 
• State Route 261 between Big Lake and the State Route 260 junction is scheduled to close on Dec. 17. 
• State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake will close Dec. 17. The four-mile long portion of SR 273 between SR 260 and Sunrise Park will remain open to provide access to the ski area. 
• A portion of State Route 366 that leads to Mount Graham near Safford will close on Thursday, Nov. 15. ADOT may need to close the scenic highway, also known as “Swift Trail,” at lower elevations as necessary to allow for snow removal. 

Drivers should know that roads are subject to close earlier if heavy snowfall in the area occurs prior to the closure date. 

Before heading out on the road, call 511 or visit www.az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.

For more on how ADOT handles snow, check out these blog posts.

Editor's note: This post has been updated since it was first published.

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Freeway travel times help drivers know what to expect on the road ahead

Freeway travel times are displayed on
dynamic message signs throughout the Valley.

Nobody enjoys being stuck in traffic, but depending on the time and location of your daily commute, backups are sometimes tough to avoid.

Just knowing what to expect on the road ahead often eases some of the frustration. That knowledge also allows drivers to make informed decisions concerning their route, which is why ADOT provides freeway travel times…

What are Freeway Travel Times?
If you travel in or around the Valley, you’ve likely seen freeway travel times listed on one of several dynamic message signs – they tell you how long it’s going to take for you to drive from one point to another (15 minutes to I-10, 34 minutes to Warner Road, etc.). You can also find the travel times on az511.gov.

These times aren’t just the result of an educated guess; they’re actually continually being calculated by an automated system that uses traffic data and an algorithm.

James Minton, a shift supervisor at ADOT’s Traffic Operations Center, explains that the system updates frequently as new data comes in from the road.

Embedded detector loops and passive acoustic devices pick up information and send it back to the TOC’s system. Integrated GPS data also is factored into the equation.

From that data, the system computes an average of all travel lanes, which is then automatically displayed on the dynamic message signs.

Interesting fact: The times are very accurate as of the moment you see them on the dynamic message sign. Of course, if a crash or some other type of traffic slowdown happens, there will be an impact on a motorist’s drive time – consequently, the travel time displayed on the dynamic message signs changes based on the impact of the incident.

More Travel Times
ADOT started displaying freeway travel times on several dynamic message signs in the Valley back in 2008 as part of a pilot program.

Since that time, response from the public has been positive. In fact, the travel time displays have been so well received that drivers are now seeing more of them.

Until just recently, there were travel times displayed on 11 dynamic message signs (6 inbound to downtown Phoenix and 5 outbound).

But, within the past few months, more signs have been added. There are now 32 signs total (15 inbound and 17 outbound) giving drivers information on 60 different destinations and about 400 directional miles.

“A lot of people appreciate the system,” said Minton, adding that more expansion is planned for the future as new projects get built. “People have really responded well.”

Human factor
While an automated system does the calculating, ADOT employees are the ones who watch the roads (there are 180 cameras in the metro-Phoenix area alone) and display messages on traffic and road conditions, along with potential alternate routes and other important messages.

Minton and his team also record the travel times each day to spot trends and make sure the system is working the way it is supposed to be.

Active Traffic Management
Assistant State Engineer Reza Karimvand says that being able to display travel time information and messages to drivers is a valuable tool when it comes to managing traffic.

With 106 dynamic message signs in the Valley, there’s big opportunity to share important traffic-related messages with drivers. Not only does the information assist drivers on the road, but the details can actually work to improve traffic.

“If we can divert cars from the scene of an accident, it helps the traffic flow,” he said.

Cobra Electronics Walkie-Talkie CXT235 Two-Way Radio

Features

• Extended range capability provides up to 20 mile range. (Range will vary depending on terrain and conditions.)
• Available when the 22 channels are combined with the 121 privacy codes (38 CTCSS/83 DCS), these combinations prevent interference from other radios.
• Be prepared for storms and emergencies with the built-in NOAA radio receiver providing coverage of all government operated weather channels.
• In the event of a major storm or other weather condition, NOAA broadcasts a 1050 Hz tone that this microTALK radio can detect and warn you of a weather alert condition.
• The user's voice is detected and the radio transmits without the need to press any buttons, freeing hands for other tasks. Five VOX sensitivity levels allow the user to select at which point the radio will detect their voice.

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Product Description
Up to 20 mile range; Provides extended signal range with 2662 channel combinations. NOAA weather and emergency radio and weather alert; Be prepared for storms and emergencies with built-in NOAA radio receiver. VOX Voice-activated transmission frees hands for other tasks. Call Alert with 5 selectable tones distinguishes between different parties on oncoming calls. Wall charger & rechargeable NiMH batteries included; May also be used with AAA alkaline batteries.

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Transportation Defined: Dynamic Message Signs

Dynamic Message Sign

We’ve got a blog post coming up real soon that’s going to focus on Dynamic Message Signs (Don’t know what those are? Keep reading!).

That blog post isn’t ready quite yet, so in the meantime we wanted to at least get started by defining a couple of terms for you …

First up, Dynamic Message Signs: These are the large signs over/near roadways used to display messages to the public. You’ll often see travel times posted on these signs during rush hours or safety messages and other travel information.

The larger DMS have three rows of 18 characters. Each of those characters measures 18 inches tall.

Now that you know what DMS is, take a look at a Node Building. These “buildings” are about the size of a typical storage shed and are located near the roadway. There are several node buildings in the Phoenix-metro area. 

Node Building

These nodes are filled with equipment capable of collecting regional information (e.g., from various controller cabinets) and sending it to the TOC. Node buildings are equipped with fault tolerant air conditioning systems to maintain moderate summer temperatures.

OK … now you’ll have to stay tuned for a more in-depth blog post on Dynamic Message Signs.

Transportation Defined is a series of explanatory blog posts designed to define the things you see on your everyday commute. Let us know if there's something you'd like to see explained ... leave a comment here on the blog or over on our Facebook page!

Demolishing the Pantano Union Pacific Railroad Bridge

We posted a clip on YouTube last week that shows crews demolishing the old Pantano Union Pacific Railroad Bridge. Because it’s a time-lapse video, you can watch all the work being completed in under a minute…

In reality, the effort took a little more time. In fact, work began long before crews and equipment even got to the site. As you can see in the video above, planning started several months in advance of the I-10 closure and bridge demolition.

In addition to holding traffic safety management meetings, ADOT checked in with communities in the area to make everyone aware of the plans. ADOT also met with businesses, alerted the media and activated message signs in preparation of the big event. Communication and coordination were vital to this project’s success.

After all the work (both before and during the bridge demo), lanes on I-10 were opened to traffic as scheduled. For more on this project, check out our previous videos and blog posts HERE, or visit www.azdot.gov/i10marshstation.

Black & Decker ASI300 Air Station Inflator - Electric Air Compressor

Features

• Inflates lawnmower, bike, and vehicle tires, sports balls, and other items quickly and easily
• Space-saving, portable design
• EZ air dial for instant shut-off when correct air pressure has been reached
• Weighs 6.1 pounds; 2-year warranty
• Includes standard tire nozzle, needle inflator, and extension nozzle

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Powerful and portable, the Black & Decker ASI300 Air Station Inflator is the portable solution to household and on-the-go inflation needs. An illuminated pressure gauge gives you precise control, with an automatic shut off feature to make inflation easy. The ASI300 draws power from any home outlet or your vehicle's lighter socket, so you can set it up where you need it.

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Plugs into wall sockets or vehicle lighter sockets for versatility. View larger.Powerful Inflator Meets a Range of Needs
With inflation power up to 160 PSI, the ASI300 can take care of a range of inflation tasks. Pump up an air mattress for an impromptu guest room, top off your bike tires for a long, worry-free trail ride, or just tuck it in a corner of your trunk for added peace of mind.

Convenient, Easy-to-Use Integrated Gauge
The ASI300's integrated gauge keeps tabs on air pressure, so you don't have to remove the hose to take readings. And you won't ever have to worry about over inflation--dial in the pressure you want and the ASI300 automatically shuts off once it's reached. The red-faced gauge is illuminated, perfect for use when setting up camp after sundown or inflating a tire along a dark road.

A Portable Package That Goes Where You Need It
The ASI300 is ideal for small tasks around your home or garage, and its compact size makes it a handy tool to have in your vehicle, RV, or watercraft. Store it in your car or truck to keep your tires at optimal pressure for on or off road use, or stow it on your boat to quickly inflate rafts, inner tubes, and towables. At just 6 pounds, it's light enough to carry from home to car to boat. And because it conveniently powers from any electrical outlet or your vehicle's lighter socket, this inflator is easy to use in a variety of situations.

The ASI300 Air Station Inflator is covered by a two-year warranty.

What's in the Box:
ASI300 Air Station Inflator, standard nozzle, needle inflator, extension nozzle, 120-volt cord and plug, 12-volt cord and plug







This portable air station inflator is easy to store in your car, boat, or garage--which means it will always on hand when and where you need it.

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Whistler XTR-140 Laser/Radar Detector with Exclusive Twin Alert Periscopes

Features

• Complete band coverage of all Laser, Radar, VG-2, and Safety Radar bands
• Exclusive Twin Alert Periscope provides an added attention-getting visual alert
• Easy-to-read icon display indicates power, city mode, band identification, and signal strength
• Three unique city modes and highway mode to reduce false alarms
• Patented VG-2 cloaking technology for undetectability

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Here's a solid detector from Whistler, with basic detection minus unneeded bells and whistles. Get total band protection with a simple icon display, city and highway modes, quiet mode, and other features, along with Whistler exclusives like the cant-miss Twin Alert Periscopes.

Basic detection minus unneeded bells and whistles. Click to enlarge.

Whistler's exclusive Twin Alert Periscope provides an added attention-getting visual alert.

Includes windshield mount.

Total Band Protection
Provides complete band coverage of all Laser, Radar, VG-2, and Safety Radar bands.

Icon Display
The XTR-140 display offers easy-to-read icons to indicate power, city mode, radar band identification, and signal strength.

Twin Alert Periscope
Whistler's exclusive Twin Alert Periscope provides an added attention-getting visual alert, with two extra LEDs flashing on and off when the unit alarms.

Three City Modes and Highway Mode
Highway mode provides full audio and visual warning of laser/radar systems while maintaining full sensitivity. Highway mode is the default setting of all Whistler's laser/radar detectors. City mode helps reduce the annoyance of automatic door openers and burglar alarm alerts by providing an initial alert (same distance as Highway Mode), then remaining quiet unless the signal strength becomes very strong. When the signal increases, the unit will alert briefly to notify you of the change in signal strength.

Quiet/Auto Quiet Modes
Pressing QUIET before a signal is detected engages Auto Quiet Mode, which automatically reduces the audio level after the initial warning to a low audio level setting. Pressing QUIET during a radar/laser encounter silences audio alerts, while allowing visual alerts to keep you informed.

Alert Priority
When two or more signals are received at the same time, the alert priority is: Laser, VG-2, Speed Radar, Safety Radar.

Example: If X band is alerting, then suddenly a VG-2 signal is detected, the VG-2 warning will override the X band alert.

Vehicle Battery Saver Mode
The Vehicle Battery Saver Mode automatically shuts off your detector within three hours if you forget to turn it off. The timer is reset if the detector is turned off or unplugged, or any button is pressed before the six hours have expired. The detector will alert you with an audible and visual warning before it shuts off.

Patented VG-2 Cloaking Technology
The VG-2, also known as a "radar detector detector," is a special receiver used by police to detect signals radiated by a radar detector. The XTR-330 alerts you its presence, and thanks to Whistler's patented VG-2 cloaking technology, it also provides undetectability.

What's in the Box
Whistler XTR-140 laser/radar detector, windshield mount, power cord, and user's manual.

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Motorola MR350R 35-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

Features

• VibraCall vibration alert or 20 different call tones
• 11 weather channels (7 NOAA) with alert features
• 22 channels each with 121 privacy codes for superior interference protection
• Pair of two-way radios with up to 35 mile range
• iVOX hands-free communication without the need for an audio accessory

List Price: $79.99
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The Motorola Talkabout MR350, with its range of up to 35 miles and bundle of great features, is a great communication tool for the serious outdoor enthusiast. Lightweight and rugged, with extra large buttons to help you operate even with gloves on, the MR350 is built to handle any challenge without weighing you down. The MR350 includes an emergency alert feature, to inform others should any dangers come your way. The MR350 also features a built-in LED flashlight for peace of mind during evening adventures or unexpected emergencies and power outages. Weather alerts will provide your group with warnings of incoming storms or dangerous conditions. And, by tuning in to one of 7 NOAA channels, you'll always know what to pack. This radio also features the VibraCall silent vibrating ringer, which is useful for locations where ringing can be intrusive or background noise would drown out your ring tone.

A great communication tool for the serious outdoor enthusiast.

MR350 Features

35 Mile Range
The MR350, under ideal conditions, gives you a range of up to 35 miles. Conditions vary with geography and other variables.

22 Channels
The MR350 boasts 22 channels (including 7 NOAA channels).

Emergency Alert Button
When the alert button is activated, the radio transmits an alert siren followed by transmission of spoken or incidental sounds. This allows you to send the signal to other radios and warn of impending danger.

Channel Scan
Use scan to search the 22 channels for transmissions from unknown parties, to find someone in your group who has accidentally changed channels, or to quickly find unused channels for your own use.

Includes drop-in dual charger for easy charging.

Brilliant LCD with battery indicator, channel, and other info.

Oversized buttons are easy to use, even with gloves on.

Charging Options
You can charge the MR350 using the Motorola standard charging port (with the included charging adapter), the Drop-in cradle charger (also included), or purchase a mini-USB cable for use with the Mini-USB charging port, especially useful when traveling.

121 Privacy Codes
Interference Eliminator Codes help minimize interference by blocking transmissions from unknown sources. The MR350 features 121 codes for superior interference protection.

Twenty Call Tones
The MR350 can transmit different call tones to other radios in your group so you can alert them that you want to talk. Choose from 20 different tones.

Hands-Free Communication
Use the iVOX feature to transmit hands-free

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Transportation Defined: Guardrails

ADOT crews repair a guardrail.

Guardrails. You see them all the time, right? But, how often do you really think about the important job they’re performing?

If your answer is, “never,” that’s perfectly fine and, quite frankly, it’s what we expected, because who sits around contemplating guardrails?

But, guardrails really do perform a vital task, which is to separate vehicles from a non-traversable slope past the edge of the roadway or any type of fixed object (think power pole or building). They’re also the topic of this blog post, so hopefully your interest in guardrails is now sufficiently piqued!

How they work
First off, there are different types of barrier out on the state’s roads, but what you see on many highways (and what we’re talking about here), is the w-beam guardrail that is secured to wooden posts (see photo above). Fun fact: It’s called a w-beam because if turned on its side, it looks like a W.

When the guardrail is hit by a vehicle, the posts move back and rotate with the force of the vehicle. The wooden posts, the w-beam, the dirt and the vehicle all absorb some of the impact, but the idea is that the w-beam will stay intact and will prevent the vehicle from traveling off the side of the road into whatever obstacle the guardrail is there to protect you from.

The energy of the impact is distributed to many of the posts, which are able to hold the w-beam against the vehicle, allowing the vehicle to come to a stop without crossing the barrier or flipping over it.

We don’t use them unless we have to
Guardrails are only used when necessary. If a road can be built to avoid the need for guardrail, that’s typically the way to go, but it’s not always possible.

We won’t get too technical, but engineers do have calculations for determining whether or not to use guardrail that take into account speed, traffic volume and the amount of clear area that there needs to be.

If it is determined that guardrail is needed, engineers also have to figure out how much is necessary. The term, “length of need” refers to the length of guardrail needed to shield the motorist from the potential hazard. Again, we’re not going to get technical here, but there’s a formula to calculate the length of need, too.

But wait, there’s more!
If a guardrail is hit, there’s some maintenance involved. According ADOT Maintenance Superintendent Craig Cornwell, his crews are out there repairing guardrail hits just about every day.

He says the w-beam railing comes in sections (from 12.5 feet to 25 feet).

“If a section is damaged, we replace that whole section,” said Cornwell, adding that the beams actually overlap and are connected to each other with eight bolts (there’s also a big bolt (about 18 inches) that connects the beam to the wooden post.

On top of repairs, Cornwell says his crews perform routine maintenance on the guardrails, which includes regular inspections.

Transportation Defined is a series of explanatory blog posts designed to define the things you see on your everyday commute. Let us know if there's something you'd like to see explained ... leave a comment here on the blog or over on our Facebook page!