The Arizona Department of Transportation will host an in-person public meeting Aug. 16 in Apache Junction as part of an ongoing study of a seven-mile segment of State Route 88 Apache Trail between the Fish Creek Hill overlook and Apache Lake Marina Road.

The road, from milepost 222 to 229, remains closed to traffic due to extensive damage resulting from a wildfire and storms.

The purpose of the SR88 study is to determine the feasibility of reopening SR88 to vehicles, identify potential improvements and their cost, and improve the resilience of this roadway to future storm events, according to a release.

The SR88 Study, Milepost 222 to 229, meeting is 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16. An open house will be held 5:30 to 6 p.m. with a presentation starting at 6 p.m. in the Apache Junction Multi-Generational Center, 1035 N. Idaho Road.

As part of the meeting, a presentation will be shown and ADOT and technical staff will be available to answer questions. Those attending will also be able to provide comments to the study team.

For those unable to attend, the meeting presentation and study recommendations will be posted to the SR88 website at: azdot.gov/state-route-88-apache-trail-study-milepost-222-229.

Comments on the study will be accepted through Sept. 15 and can be submitted to ADOT in the following ways:

• Mail to: SR 88 Study, c/o Marshall Hayes, Logan Simpson, 51 W. Third St., Suite 450, Tempe, AZ 85281;
• Phone at 480-967-1343; or
• Via email at mhayes@logansimpson.com.

ADOT is conducting the study in coordination with the U.S. Forest Service. SR88 is within ADOT easement on U.S. Forest Service lands managed by the Tonto National Forest and has been designated as a historic and scenic road and National Forest Scenic Byway.