FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - Arizona officials say the first statewide landslide database is expected to shape an expansion project for Interstate 17 north of Phoenix.
The Arizona Daily Sun reported Wednesday that the state Geological Survey will work with the Department of Transportation to map out the landslide risk around the highway that is expected to begin expansion by 2021.
Officials say the landslide database documents more than 6,000 landslides and debris flows and could help officials evaluate the risk in expanding I-17 that navigates through a mountainous region up to Flagstaff.
Officials say the $331-million project is expected to add lanes along 23 miles (37 kilometers) of I-17 that regularly experience heavy congestion because of crashes, disabled vehicles and increased traffic on the weekends.
The project is expected to be completed by 2023.
