Courtesy photo.
COCONINO COUNTY — A project to build a new and improved Rio de Flag crossing culvert at Hutton Ranch Road has been completed.
The $548,000 Hutton Ranch Road – Rio De Flag Culvert Crossing Project will improve transportation in and out of the Hutton Ranch neighborhood when the Rio de Flag is flowing. The project, which broke ground in late March, features a 3×20-foot cast-in-place concrete arch culvert under Hutton Ranch Road at the Rio de Flag crossing along with new fencing, guardrails, water inlet & outlet protection, and a paved surface over the culvert.
The Coconino County Public Works Engineering Division and County contractors began planning the project after the Slayton Ranch Road/Rio de Flag crossing was washed out by heavy snowmelt flows in March 2023. The Slayton Ranch crossing was replaced in July 2023, and the team used data from both that project and the record winter runoff of 2023 to determine the optimal drainage structure for the Hutton Ranch Road/Rio de Flag crossing.
“The washout at Slayton Ranch Road two years ago was a powerful reminder of the Rio de Flag’s flood potential and the need to swiftly address any vulnerabilities in our drainage infrastructure,” said Public Works Director Christopher Tressler. “Just as we did at Slayton Ranch, we’ve designed and constructed a resilient new crossing at Hutton Ranch Road engineered to safely handle seasonal snowmelt and monsoon flows while minimizing impacts to the surrounding neighborhood, as much as is feasible.”
“I’d like to thank everyone in Hutton Ranch area for their patience during the three months of work it took to complete this important project,” said Supervisor Judy Begay, whose district includes the Slayton Ranch Road area. “I’d also like to thank the engineers and construction team for working so hard to finish this project in time for what is forecast to be an active monsoon season.”
For more information about the Hutton Ranch Road – Rio De Flag Culvert Crossing Project please contact Public Works at 928-679-8300.