The 2015 Disparity Study is now complete and available for review. It analyzes the utilization and availability of minority- and women-owned firms by race, ethnic and gender group to determine whether there are disparities in the past utilization of those firms in ADOT contracts. Keen Independent conducted disparity analyses for FHWA-, state-, FAA- and FTA-funded contracts. The Disparity Study also includes analysis of in-depth interviews with business owners, trade associations and others. Keen Independent included information in the Disparity Study for ADOT to use to develop overall DBE goals for FAA- and FTA-funded contracts and a refined goal for its FHWA-funded contracts.

In June, ADOT released a Draft Disparity Study and conducted a 45-day public comment period from June 8 to July 20. ADOT held public hearings in mid-July in four locations around the state on the Draft Disparity Study and Final Proposed Goal.

Swift Trail Parkway (State Route [SR] 366), an Arizona Scenic Byway, is in southeastern Arizona in Graham County ... The road begins outside Safford, at the base of Mount Graham, and continues up the mountain to Riggs Flat Lake ... Officially, the parkway's limits are milepost (MP) 116, 2.3 miles beyond the intersection of US 191 and SR 366, to MP 142. However ... the plan study area encompasses the remaining portion of road (5.8 miles) to the Riggs Flat Lake turnoff (Forest Road [FR] 287)

Project Summary

Passing and climbing lanes provide additional lanes for vehicles to safely pass other vehicles while maintaining speeds. Implementing passing and climbing lane projects provides traffic operational and safety benefits at a cost that is far less than fully widening a highway. In an effort to enhance safety and mobility on Arizona's roadways, the Arizona Department of Transportation is currently updating the 2003 Passing and Climbing Lanes Prioritization Study. This update intends to further refine the identification and prioritization methodology previously utilized and to develop a prioritized list of candidate locations that would provide the most benefit to the traveling public.
Study Objectives

    Review previous studies and research current best practices.
    Analyze the safety and performance benefits of passing/climbing lanes constructed since the previous study.
    Develop a revised methodology and ranking criteria.
    Obtain feedback from ADOT District Engineers and other stakeholders, such as rural COGs and MPOs.
    Develop a new prioritized list of candidate passing/climbing lane projects.