Dust storm warning system planned between Phoenix, Tucson

by Adnan Alam
  • Slug: BC-CNS-Dust Storms. About 200 words.
  • Photos and captions below.
  • Video available here.

By MIKAYLA MOREHEAD
Cronkite News

ELOY – Arizona officials are installing a system along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson to warn drivers about dangerous dust storms.

The system of radar, cameras and electronic message boards is being installed along a 10-mile stretch of I-10 where it meets State Route 87, southeast of Eloy. The system is part of construction to improve the SR87 interchange and widen a portion of I-10.

Tom Herrmann, a spokesman with the Arizona Department of Transportation, said this busy stretch of freeway has had the most fatal accidents because of dust storms.

“It’s a very important section for the two largest metropolitan areas in (Arizona) when people are driving back and forth, so this will help millions of people,” Herrmann said.

“When you see a dust storm, and you can’t see where you’re going, pull off the highway. ‘Pull aside, stay alive.’ That’s been our mantra for the past seven or eight years, and we really think that’s going to continue to be an important part of this.”

The detection system is scheduled for completion in September 2019. In addition to the detection system, ADOT plans to add more cameras along the freeway to better monitor east- and westbound traffic.

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.

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After construction of new highway lanes is complete, this stretch of  Interstate 10 near Eloy will be outfitted with a dust storm detection system. (Photo by Jenna Miller/ Cronkite News)
Work to widen Interstate 10, improve the State Route 87 interchange and install the dust storm warning system is expected to be finished by September 2019. (Photo by Jenna Miller/ Cronkite News)
Tom Herrmann of the Arizona Department of Transportation says this 10-mile stretch of interstate is among the most dangerous in the state.  (Photo by Jenna Miller/ Cronkite News)