Cochise County sheriff urges ADOT to fix I‑10 wide‑load planning after holiday delays

During a segment on KWCD's First Watch, Sheriff Mark Danos criticized the Arizona Department of Transportation's coordination of wide‑load escorts and bridge work on Interstate 10, saying recent holiday traffic backups and forced detours have created safety and delay problems for Cochise County motorists.

Danos said long holiday backups — sometimes eight miles — were already a concern and that allowing wide loads to move on alternate routes such as State Route 82/83 or placing wide loads amidst existing traffic delays is "just not a good situation." He asked, directly on air, "ADOT, come on," and urged more transparency and better public communication about work scheduling and escorts.

Danos said he has discussed the issue with state legislators and the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and that local motorists have reported vehicle damage and safety concerns when wide-load escorts force vehicles off major corridors. He framed the problem as an ADOT planning and transparency issue rather than one for DPS.

ADOT did not respond on air; Danos said he and local representatives have sent letters and sought follow-up. The sheriff said he would continue to press for better coordination to reduce hazards and travel delays on routes used by Cochise County residents.