Pedestrian safety project underway on SR 66 in downtown Kingman

Construction will require a lane closure for the next month

The Arizona Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the city of Kingman, has begun work on a project to install a pedestrian-activated crosswalk signal on State Route 66 in Kingman between Andy Devine Avenue and First Street.

This special type of traffic light is a system of indicator lights and signs that controls vehicle traffic to assist pedestrians in safely crossing a major street or highway at a marked crosswalk that does not have a standard traffic signal. The new device – a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) – will help pedestrians to safely cross SR 66 by activating a traffic signal that stops approaching vehicles in both directions to allow time for people to cross the highway.

"The new pedestrian crossing and additional intersection improvements will provide a safer and more pleasant visiting experience for area residents, tourists and the traveling public visiting the historic downtown Kingman area,” Frank Marbury, Assistant City Engineer, city of Kingman, said.

Construction will require a lane closure within the work zone for the next four weeks. Motorists should also be aware of construction equipment and personnel working daily, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. A reduced speed limit is in place for the project duration.

The $231,000 federally funded project is expected to be complete in September. In addition to the PHB, other project components include intersection improvements and construction of sidewalk and ramps.

While the signal is the first of its kind in Kingman, a PHB is located in Bullhead City and others are in use in Phoenix and Tucson.

ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 511.

For more information about this project, please call Michele E. Beggs, ADOT Senior Community Relations Officer at928.681.6054 or email at mbeggs@azdot.gov.