As monsoon season approaches across Arizona, the Arizona Department of Transportation says temporary road construction signs and traffic-control equipment used throughout freeway work zones are specifically designed to withstand strong winds and severe weather conditions. The agency’s comments come after an East Valley driver reported that a construction sign flew into her vehicle while she was traveling on Loop 202 near Arizona Avenue.
Road construction projects are currently taking place throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area, leading to the placement of hundreds of temporary warning signs, lane-shift markers, barricades, and traffic-control devices near major roadways. With monsoon season expected to bring powerful wind gusts, dust storms, and heavy rain over the coming months, ABC15 spoke with ADOT officials about how those signs are secured and monitored.
According to ADOT, temporary roadwork signs are mounted on specially engineered stands that are built to handle high winds. Officials explained that the signs can also be reinforced using sandbags and other stabilization methods when necessary. The goal is to keep construction zones safe for both drivers and road crews even during changing weather conditions.
ADOT spokesman Steve Elliott told ABC15 that safety remains a top priority whenever temporary signs are placed near traffic. He explained that because the equipment is positioned close to active roadways, the agency takes precautions to ensure it remains secure and does not become a hazard to motorists.
The renewed focus on construction-zone safety follows an incident involving East Valley resident Michelle Hunter. Hunter shared video footage with ABC15 showing what happened while she was driving eastbound on Loop 202 near Arizona Avenue on a recent Sunday night. According to Hunter, a road construction sign suddenly came loose and flew directly into her vehicle.
The video captured the sign striking her car while another camera angle appeared to show an exit sign being blown through the air and off into the distance. The footage raised concerns about whether construction equipment is properly secured ahead of Arizona’s storm season, when wind gusts can rapidly intensify and create dangerous driving conditions.
After reviewing the footage, ADOT acknowledged that the situation was concerning and said it had begun looking into the incident. Agency officials indicated they were working with the contractor responsible for the construction zone to determine what may have caused the sign to become dislodged.
Elliott said the agency could not immediately determine exactly what caused the sign to come loose. However, he emphasized that incidents like the one shown in the video are not something ADOT wants to see and that the matter would be investigated further.
According to ADOT, contractors working on roadway projects are required to inspect temporary signs and traffic-control devices every day. These inspections are intended to identify loose equipment, damaged supports, or other issues that could become safety hazards for drivers. Officials said routine monitoring is an important part of construction-zone safety procedures.
The agency noted that severe weather can sometimes damage signs despite precautions. During monsoon storms, strong wind gusts can knock over signs, barricades, and other temporary traffic-control devices. Arizona’s monsoon season is known for producing sudden bursts of high winds that can create hazardous conditions on roadways throughout the state.
Transportation officials are reminding drivers to remain especially cautious whenever storms move through the Valley. ADOT advises motorists to reduce their speed, stay alert, and pay close attention to changing road conditions when strong winds, blowing dust, or heavy rain develop.
The agency also encouraged the public to report any construction-zone equipment that appears unsafe or damaged. Officials said drivers who notice signs, barricades, or other roadway equipment creating a potential hazard should contact ADOT so crews can respond and address the issue. If the situation presents an immediate danger to motorists, drivers are urged to call 911.
Arizona’s monsoon season officially begins in June and typically continues through September. During that period, powerful thunderstorms can produce damaging wind gusts, dust storms, flash flooding, and rapidly changing travel conditions. As road construction projects continue across the Valley, ADOT says its inspection procedures and equipment standards are designed to help minimize risks and maintain safety for drivers traveling through active work zones.
Source: ABC15 Phoenix
