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Contact: Jessica Pope, 520-366-0050
Ajo Arizona – Ajo Mountain Drive, a 21-mile one-way road will close on April 3, 2023 through the end of the month to finish a road improvement project that began last fall. This multi-phased project will improve the visitor use and experience of the road by hardening water crossings and paving the surface of the road on this scenic and popular drive. This project began on September 6, 2022 when crews replaced culverts and hardened with cement multiple water crossings on the road between Arch and Estes Canyons. The final phase of the project will begin April 3, 2023 when crews will pave this section of road with asphalt.
The section of Ajo Mountain Drive being paved stretches approximately 2 miles from Arch Canyon trailhead to Estes Canyon trailhead, a compacted dirt stretch prone to flood damage and erosion from storm runoff. When the road is damaged it becomes impassable to vehicles, resulting in road closures and expensive grading to repair the road. Improving this section of this popular road will provide for a more enjoyable and safe visitor experience.
Jessica Pope, Acting Superintendent of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument said, “By paving the road and improving the low water crossings the road will be more accessible to visitors traveling in passenger cars. These improvements will harden the road against storm damage resulting in less need for repairs, lowering maintenance costs in the future.” Damage from flooding requires road closures and extensive repairs with heavy machinery and graders to restore access.
Work will begin on April 3, 2023 and it is anticipated that the project will be completed by the end of April. This road improvement project is being funded by recreation fees collected in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA) allows the NPS to collect and retain revenue and requires that fee revenue be used to enhance the visitor experience.
Last updated: March 22, 2023