The 10-mile section of I-10 near Picacho Peak is prone to frequent dust storms that reduce visibility and cause major roadway incidents. In fact, 50 crashes (that accounted for eight fatalities) have been recorded since 2000. To combat this, ADOT developed a plan to minimize the impact of these dust storms that included the installation of ITS infrastructure that measures visibility in the corridor, identifies approaching dust clouds, and automatically lowers speeds to appropriate levels as visibility deteriorates. While some aspects of the $7.4 million project are still being completed, ADOT expects improved travel time reliability by reducing the number and severity of dust-related crashes and freeway closures.
America's Transportation Awards 