Location and Date: ADOT’s Arizona Room
July 14, 1999 at 1:00 p.m.
Participants: See attached sign-in sheet
Subject: US 93, Wickenburg to Santa Maria River
Location/Design Concept Study
TRACS No. 093 YV 161 H 4871 01L
Summary:
This meeting was the initial meeting of the ADOT Technical Committee for this project. Bert Bertleson opened the meeting with a brief description of the project and the study limits. Mr. Bertleson then provided an abbreviated version of the Power Point presentation, assisted by Berwyn Wilbrink and Don Smith, which was made at the recent public scoping meeting. The presentation focused on the results of ADOT’s Phase 1 Study, the Phase 2 Study Process, and the Interim Solution Feasibility Study
The following issues were discussed during the meeting.
likely occur on the west side of the existing two-lane roadway as there is adequate room available within the existing right-of-way (R/W). He also indicated US 93 passes through the Joshua Tree Forest where we will likely consider a wide median to help preserve the trees in the median of this scenic highway. The possibility of relocating US 93 outside lands managed by the BLM Kingman Field Office was briefly discussed.
ADOT has to acquire active mining claims. He indicated most of the claims in the Wickenburg are active and concern gold, gypsum, or granite mining. Mr. Bertleson advised the group of the difference between claims predating 1955 versus those filed after 1955; i.e., owners of the pre-1955 claims own the land and the mineral rights whereas the others only have mineral rights. Claims on BLM land are authorized by permit, which BLM can terminate if ADOT/FHWA need the R/W. Ed Dolmage indicated ADOT’s R/W Section prefers to avoid mining claim acquisitions due to the cost and administrative difficulties. Mr. Alexander suggested that Sverdrup contact Joe Acosta, Attorney General’s Office, for more information on the problems associated with mining claim acquisitions.
sources for contractors. He also indicated ADOT has had a difficult time finding available sources along the US 93 corridor.
desire for ADOT to reconsider the BOOT alignment for the Wickenburg Bypass as well as the Town Council’s preference for Interim Alternative 4 as the short-term remedy for the town’s current/future congestion problems. He indicated the Study Team would take a "quick look" at the BOOT alignment relative to potential fatal flaws not identified during the Phase 1 Study. Mr. Smith identified potential 4(f) involvement with the southwest and BOOT corridors due to BLM’s proposed recreation area designation on its land south and west of US 60.
Relative to Interim Alternatives 4, 7, and 10, Mr. Bertleson indicated Sverdrup would be conducting a turning movement study/traffic analysis to determine current operating characteristics within downtown Wickenburg. Shafi Hasan appeared to favor Alternative 4 provided the roadway would be adequate for 10 to 15 years. Mr. Bertleson indicated Alternative 4 would require the displacement of the McDonalds and Subway businesses east of the Hassayampa River Bridge, which generated a brief discussion on R/W costs associated with this interim improvement alternative. Mr. Hasan indicated the westbound (original) Hassayampa River Bridge is listed as a possible replacement as it is functionally obsolete, but the replacement is contingent on funding availability.
Larry Doescher indicated there are several railroad crossings associated with either southwest corridor option than with either the interim solution alternatives or the northeast bypass corridor.
current ADOT Five-Year Construction Program. This situation will likely delay both the interim and ultimate improvements in the Wickenburg area. If the funding forecast does not improve, it appears that any interim improvement would not occur until 10 to 12 years from now, which is when the Study Team projected the bypass would be built. This scenario could convert the interim solution into the ultimate improvement.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:30 p.m.
Action Items: