Cochise County’s board of supervisors reached consensus at its most recent meeting to adopt newly modified road design and construction standards for the district’s 1,438 miles of public roadways — its first update since 2003.

The amended standards fell into place following a long-range transportation plan implemented in 2015. Funded by the Sierra Vista Metropolitan Planning Organization (SVMPO), to which Cochise County belongs, stakeholders engaged planning and design engineering firm Kimley-Horn to provide working sketches, including technical and graphics assistance.

Plans include new and revised roadway cross-sections and design details—including swing flood gates, driveways, trails and parking possibilities.

“Our revised Road Design Standards have integrated the best in current research and the seasoned knowledge of our Operations staff to set standards specifically designed to provide effective and safe infrastructure in Cochise County,” Karen Riggs, Cochise County highway and floodplain director, said in a press release.

Residents can access the newly updated Cochise County Road Design & Construction Standards & Specifications for Public Improvements at www.cochise.az.gov.

Road standards have existed for Cochise since 1974; the Cochise County board of supervisors has the responsibility to manage and monitor the jurisdiction’s public roads under Arizona state law.