The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is on track to quickly reopen a portion of State Route 88 (Apache Trail), projecting to restore limited access as early as September. A $4 million interim repair initiative aims to make certain segments of the unpaved roadway safe for high clearance four-wheel drive and utility task vehicles. This stretch, bracketed by mileposts 222 and 227, sustained severe damage due to floods back in 2019, necessitating these measures. The repairs are not just a stop-gap; ADOT is actively seeking federal funds for a more extensive $33.7 million upgrade to better withstand future storms and widen accessibility.

According to an announcement from ADOT, work commenced on July 22 to swiftly to remove massive boulders, a key hurdle at the steep Fish Creek Hill section roughly 9 miles east of Tortilla Flat. Workers have managed to subsequently break down these impediments, repurposing the debris to fortify eroded sections of the road and adjacent slopes. The impending works will include addressing potential rockfalls, introducing new road signage, and tending to the repair and maintenance of drainage culverts.

It’s important to note, ADOT stressed that the road will only accommodate vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive post-reopening. Before these works began, ADOT maintenance crews had already set the stage by clearing vegetation, refilling eroded road parts, and ensuring the drainage culverts were cleared. Since this area of SR 88 trails through federally owned land, all activity in the area operates under the close scrutiny of the U.S. Forest Service and adheres to a tapestry of environmental regulations at both state and federal levels.

The dynamic stretch from Fish Creek Hill Overlook to the Reavis Trailhead hasn't seen traffic since the 2019 flood, exacerbated by the runoff from the Woodbury Fire aftermath. ADOT managed to previously reopen just shy of 2 miles west to the bustling Reavis Trailhead in 2022. Hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians used to frequent the currently closed section, which is expected to soon handle the stride of tires rather than boots once again. In its heyday, prior to the 2019 shuttering, this corridor of the Apache Trail greeted an average of 232 vehicles daily, as it served as an artery between the East Valley and Roosevelt Lake.

Access to nearby attractions such as Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat remain open and unaffected by the ongoing work. For further information on the status of SR 88 and updates on the Apache Trail accessibility, travelers and local residents can keep informed through ADOT's dedicated webpage.