ADOT nearing finish line in Apache Trail restoration, eyes September opening

The focus is on a five-mile stretch severely damaged by flooding in 2019.

PUBLISHED AUG 7, 2024

The Trail is scheduled to open in September.

Phoenix, Arizona: The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is making progress to restore limited public access to several miles of State Route 88 (Apache Trail).

How much does the repair cost and when will it be ready?

This $4 million interim project, slated for completion in September, aims to make the unpaved roadway suitable for high clearance four-wheel drive and utility task vehicles. The focus is on a five-mile stretch severely damaged by flooding in 2019.

Since the project commenced on July 22, between mileposts 222 and 227, contractors have been removing large boulders blocking SR 88 on the steep Fish Creek Hill section, located nine miles east of Tortilla Flat. These boulders have been broken up and repurposed to fill eroded areas of the roadway and slope.

Contractors have been removing large boulders, which are then broken up and repurposed to fill eroded areas of the roadway and slope.

What work is left to be done?

Ongoing and upcoming work includes mitigating rockfall between Fish Creek Hill Overlook and Fish Creek, installing new signage, and cleaning and repairing drainage culverts.

Once it's open can it be used by all types of vehicles?

ADOT states that the roadway will only be suitable for high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles and utility task vehicles upon reopening. It will not be accessible to standard vehicles.