US 60 pavement project to begin this weekend, but concerns about dust and debris loom

MESA, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- Arizona Department of Transportation officials say the U.S. 60 pavement project will begin this weekend in the east Valley. Construction to remove old asphalt on the U.S. 60 between Loop 101 and 202 will begin, so some closures may affect drivers heading into the Valley.

Officials say eastbound U.S. 60 will be closed between Loop 101 and Dobson Road from Friday at 9 p.m. to Monday at 5 a.m. All north and southbound Loop 101 ramps to east and westbound U.S. 60 will also be closed.

The $34.3 million project will remove the old asphalt and use “diamond grinding” on the 14-mile stretch of the U.S. 60. The technique removes a thin layer of concrete pavement while adding small grooves for a smoother ride. Construction was slated to start again in July 2023, but ADOT officials were able to speed up the process after the state legislature provided the funding for the roadwork as part of the 2023 state budget. It is scheduled to be completed this summer.

However, the project presented issues for some east Valley motorists last year, and officials have decided to use the same developer, the McNeil Brothers. In Nov. 2021, Mesa residents were frustrated with the dust and debris leftover from the construction project. Drivers complained of broken windshields caused by rocks and debris. Some homeowners also said the dirt affected the air quality and their health. Others said their yards were covered with thick dust from the project.

“Everything filled up with silt!” said Susan Marshall; she and many others who live on Isabella Ave along the US 60 had their properties damaged by the silt from ADOT’s construction on the 60 in late 2021. “What are you guys going to do better? Are you going to do anything better? Are you just going to cause more problems for the Arizona driver who drives on the road, let alone lives next to the road,” said Marshall.

Debris from the last ADOT project on the U.S. 60 damaged more than 140 cars. The Department of Administration said 247 claims were filed, and the state has paid out $277,216.07 in repairs. At last reporting, a spokesperson for ADOA told Arizona’s Family that they would pursue reimbursement from McNeil Brothers. Arizona’s Family reached out to the spokesperson, who did not confirm or deny that the company has paid up. “Stay away from the lanes they’re working on, don’t even go near them,” said Marshall.

ADOT defended hiring McNeil a second time, stating that the company improved significantly heading into 2022 when the work finished up by Gilbert Road. ADOT also stated they will work closely in minimizing the individual work zones in an effort to keep down the dust and debris. Marshall remains suspicious that she will have to clean up on her own again. “Someone has to come and clean all the mess up, I don’t see them coming to help us,” said Marshall.

Arizona’s Family asked ADOT about concerns with dust and debris. Officials provided the following statement:

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