Dust being carried by Monsoon winds in the spring and fall is something most Arizonans come to expect. In order to make the conditions a little less hazardous to motorists, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reports that a $6.5 dust detection project along Interstate 10 near Eloy and Picacho Peak is nearing its completion.
According to a story reported by ABC 15 in Phoenix, the system has been set up between mileposts 209 and 219. The dust detection system was implemented after a portion of the funds were awarded through a federal grant program.
Once in operation, the system, which is the first of its kind, will warn drivers when dust conditions reach certain levels and when conditions are hazardous, the system will alert motorists through message boards and changing speed limit signs. ADOT officials and staff will be able to monitor conditions along the 10-mile corridor via closed-circuit cameras.
The ADOT told ABC that speed limit signs will be placed every 1,000 feet for the first mile in both directions along Interstate 10. Afterward, the speed limit signs that range from 75 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour will be placed every two miles. Message boards will be placed every five miles in either direction.
While it is expected to come online soon, so far the ADOT has not announced a specific date when the dust detection system will finally become operational.
