There are many factors that affect the durability of Portland cement concrete (PCC), including the mix design and the materials used, the quality of construction, and the environment. Durability is not an intrinsic property of the concrete, but instead is related to how the material interacts with the environment. Durability-related deterioration is referred to as materials-related distress (MRD). Common MRDs include those caused by physical processes, such as freezing and thawing, or chemical processes, such as alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) and sulfate attack. This research project was undertaken to determine whether concrete used in the ADOT system is experiencing, or is potentially susceptible to, ASR or sulfate attack, and if so, to what degree.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) completed a comprehensive customer satisfaction assessment in July 2009. ADOT commissioned the assessment to acquire statistically valid data from residents and community leaders to help it identify short-term and long-term transportation priorities. The survey found that state residents feel: Safe on the state's highways; ADOT keeps the roads clean; ADOT keeps the landscaping well maintained; Satisfied with the Motor Vehicle Division; ADOT is moving in the right direction; Dissatisfied with condition of highway shoulders (should be improved); Dissatisfied with nighttime visibility of highway striping; Dissatisfied with the frequency of public transit where they live; and Dissatisfied with traffic flow on highways during rush hour. Both residents and community leaders said the transportation issues with the highest priorities were: Repairing and maintaining existing highways; Enhancing highway safety; and Relieving congestion on highways.