Verde Valley communities in north-central Arizona are calling for the widening of the major east-west highway, State Route 260, claiming that it will help prevent accidents and frustratingly slow traffic.
The two-lane SR 260 connects State Route 89A in Cottonwood, Ariz., to U.S. Route 180 and U.S. Route 191 in Eagar, Ariz.
The recent, limited expansion in portions of the highway consisted of a section of bifurcated roadway toward the east edge of Cottonwood and a couple passing lanes that stretch between Camp Verde and Cottonwood in both directions.
This has not, however, helped the situation much at all, as strangely, those who travel below the speed limit suddenly accelerate by 5 to 15 mph upon entering these more open stretches of roads. They then move back to driving below the speed limit as the lanes become fewer and more dangerous once again.
This makes it nearly impossible for drivers to pass lawfully and at a reasonable speed, as well as frustrates those who would like to drive the actual speed limit.
Along with these traffic concerns, divided highways cause less accidents by reducing the chances of head-on collisions, something the SR 260 has had to deal with on many occasions.
The Town of Camp Verde has now gained the support of one more community, as the Sedona City Council, which unanimously approved a resolution to join other Verde Valley communities in the effort to widen the entire highway, a decision that is up to the Arizona Department of Transportation to make.
ADOT already attempted this, but faced resistence from Camp Verde property owners who did not want the giant project to infringe on them and their lands. But with all these communities behind it now, the Arizona agency should likely come back to finish the job at some point.
As a Phoenix accident attorney, you hear about these head-on collision on the SR 260 and other highways frequently.
It is of my opinion that it is indeed a good idea to expand the roadways, especially if there is now the seemingly unanimous support to do so within the Verde Valley.
Our accident lawyers Phoenix will keep you updated as more news is made in what may prove to be a long battle to get this expansion accomplished.
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