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ADOT: 24-mile construction project kicks off Monday on SR88 to make flood repairs

Posted at 2:48 PM, Aug 24, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-24 21:39:08-04

The Arizona Department of Transportation is giving drivers a heads up to expect delays along State Route 88 between Apache Junction and areas east of Canyon Lake starting Monday.

Transportation officials announced on Thursday that repairs will kick off Aug. 28 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The construction comes after the stretch of highway (between milepost 196 and 220) was heavily damaged during recent rains in the area, officials said.

Motorcyclist Dan Hitzler says he noticed the road repairs on a recent ride.

"I know Apache Trail is known for being rough, but man, it was really bumpy today," Hitzler said.

During the project, the highway will be narrowed to one lane in half-mile increments from Mondays through Thursdays. Drivers should expect up to 20-minute delays. 

Businesses at Canyon Lake wonder if the lane closures and delays will scare away customers. It may a tight squeeze for hundreds of people who bring boats or RVs.

"The ones that are real concerns are the ones that are gonna be trailing a boat back-and-forth because they're not sure how they're going to handle it if they can have enough room," Canyon Lake Marina employee Rob Contryman said.

The construction is expected to last two months. No construction is slated over Labor Day weekend.

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