The short turn lanes and entrances / exits along this section of roadway create additional
hazards particularly for a two‐lane road with vehicles travelling at 65 mph (or higher is
some cases). The State of Arizona Department of Transportation average annual daily
traffic count (AADT) for Highway 79 at the Hunt Road intersection, just south of FMR, was
10,550 vehicles for 2014, with increases projected to over 20,000 vehicles in the future.
Further to the north of the Readiness Center entrance to FMR is the entrance to the
ranges. At this entrance, there are no turn lanes at all, and any vehicles or convoys
entering FMR at the range entrance must wait until they can safely turn into the facility,
which can cause traffic blockages for civilian traffic. This is especially dangerous given
that the speed limit is 65 mph and there is no signage to alert drivers that military
vehicles may be slowing or stopping to enter the range. Additionally, vehicles and
convoys leaving FMR must wait for a break in traffic to safely exit the installation.
The location poses potential safety hazards to both drivers and pedestrians. In 2012, an
AZARNG soldier was injured while participating in a military training operation when his
convoy attempted to cross Highway 79 at the entrance of FMR. As growth continues in
the JLUS Project Area traffic will increase on Highway 79 potentially increasing traffic
hazards. Increased use of Highway 79 will potentially increase risk for accidents involving
FMR soldiers, staff and civilians working on or around the installation or just traveling
along SR 79, as well as potential for complaints from residents regarding traffic caused by
slow moving military convoys.
Issue:
RC‐2
AZARNG Site:
Florence
Military
Reservation
Traffic congestion occurs during drill
weekends.
Arizona Army National Guard drill weekends at
Florence Military Reservation typically involve
convoys of military vehicles that come from other
locales and often drive under the posted speed
limits. This may impact civilian traffic and is of
increasing concern for local law enforcement.
Compatibility Assessment
During AZARNG drill weekends and annual training periods, the units conducting training
at FMR typically arrive via convoys bringing equipment and vehicles used in the training
activities. These vehicle convoys travel on public highways and roads making their way to
FMR from other locations around the state, primarily from Papago Military Reservation in
Phoenix. Most of the state and local roads around FMR including SR 79 are single lane
(one lane each way). Due to the types of vehicles used by the military and the need to
remain together when traveling, the convoys typically travel at slower speeds than other
traffic using the roadways. Traffic can become congested as a result, particularly on
Background Report
5-123