Motorists should be advised of construction on Route 66 near the Kingman Visitor Center for the next few months. Photo by Aaron Ricca
KINGMAN – Motorists and pedestrians should be aware of ongoing construction downtown along Route 66/Andy Devine Avenue over the next few months.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will be working on a small portion of the drainage system and parking lot at the Kingman Powerhouse and Visitor Center. ADOT, in partnership with the Western Arizona Council of Governments, the City of Kingman and contractor Falcone Brothers & Associates, started construction on the street improvement project along Andy Devine Avenue from Second Street to the Historic Route 66 highway toward Oatman on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Construction will occur from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Motorists should expect the following:
* Lane restrictions will be in place throughout construction.
* The speed limit will be reduced in the work zone.
* Construction-related noise.
* Business access will be maintained.
The contractor’s first work activities included mobilizing equipment within the project area.
ADOT reminds drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment while construction is underway.
The project is expected to be completed in spring 2025.
According to Josh Noble, City of Kingman Tourism Services Manager at the Visitor Center, the construction project is a public safety measure. The construction project involves constructing a new entry that is aligned with First Street and closing the existing Powerhouse entry drive.
“Our parking entry/exit drive is currently misaligned with First Street and cars are entering and exiting Andy at different points,” he said. “There’s a lot of traffic at the intersection of First Street, Mr. D’z and our parking lot.”
That intersection is already notorious for confusing motorists new to the area.
“This will make the traffic pattern smoother and more predictable from the street,” Noble said.
The improvements will also reduce vehicular movement around the Visitor Center Monument Sign and Route 66 Drive Thru Shield which will create a safer space for pedestrians taking pictures and video in the parking lot.
Like with any other construction zone, especially in such a tight area, safety, for motorists, pedestrians and construction workers, is of utmost importance.
“We try to post stuff to get people to slow down,” said T.C. Cantrell, Streets Department Supervisor.
There are still two lanes which’ve been narrowed to accommodate the construction.
“When you see road construction, please slow down,” Cantrell said. “People’s lives are at stake. We’ve had so many close calls everywhere. There’s no need to rush.”
This is a local City of Kingman project being administered by ADOT.
For more information, visit the project webpage at https://azdot.gov/projects/northwest-district-projects/andy-devine-avenue-street-improvements-2nd-street-ellas-place-street-improvements.
Aaron Ricca
