U.S. Highway 70 is a primary east-west corridor through Arizona. The first incarnation of U.S. Highway 70 travelled along the route of today's US 180, from Holbrook to St. Johns to New Mexico.
In 1932, that route was renumbered to US 260. In 1935, the second incarnation of U.S. Highway 70 was established. This incarnation started in Blythe, co-signed with U.S. 60, then followed U.S. 60 to Globe, where it split off on it's own alignment. From Globe, the road travelled southeast to Coolidge Dam, then southeast to Safford and east to Duncan, thence to New Mexico.
In 1957, the road was realigned away from Coolidge Dam. In time, the alignment was straightened between the dam and Safford. In 1969, the road was truncated at Globe.
Perspective from Eastbound U.S. 70
Advance signage for U.S. Highway 191, 500 feet. Photo taken November 11, 2007.
U.S. Highway 191 travels south to Interstate 10 near Bowie, or continues east along U.S. 70 to head towards Clifton and Morenci. Photo taken November 11, 2007.
Perspective of Northbound US 191 and Eastbound
U.S. 70 Multiplex
This is a typical panorama along U.S. 70 and U.S. 191
east of downtown Safford. Note the unusual, New Mexico-style
double shield sign. Photo taken November 11, 2007.
U.S. 70 and U.S. 191 enter the town of Solomon here.
Solomon was the railroad station for Solomonville, shortened
to save time on the Teletype. Notice the special "Old
West Highway" sign next to the milepost. Photo taken
November 11, 2007.
U.S. Highway 70 and 191 pass the Arizona State Prison
- Safford ahead. This sign warns not to pick up any hitchhikers.
Photo taken November 11, 2007.
Turn left on San Jose Road to reach the Arizona State
Prison - Safford. Photo taken November 11, 2007.
U.S. Highway 70 is the primary route along this multiplex,
and mileage is signed using U.S. Highway 70 mileposts.
Photo taken November 11, 2007.
Advance signage for U.S. Highway 191, 1/2 mile. Photo
taken November 11, 2007.
Turn left on U.S. Highway 191 to reach Clifton and Morenci.
At the time of this trip, road construction was occurring
between Safford and Clifton on U.S. Highway 191. Photo
taken November 11, 2007.
Continue ahead on U.S. 70 to reach Duncan and Lordsburg,
NM. Photo taken November 11, 2007.
U.S. Highway 191 departs from U.S. Highway 70 here.
Photo taken November 11, 2007.
Perspective of Westbound U.S. 70
U.S. Highway 70 travels west through downtown Safford.
Photo taken November 11, 2007.
U.S. Highway 70 has been widened, and is the primary
road through Safford. Photo taken November 11, 2007.
U.S. Highway 70 leaves Safford and enters Thatcher here.
Thatcher was established as a Mormon community in 1881,
named after Apostle Moses Thatcher. Photo taken November
11, 2007.
Jumping ahead to Globe, we find advance signage for
the junction with U.S. 60. Photo taken November 11, 2006.
Turn right on U.S. 60 and Arizona 77 to reach the Gila
County Fairgrounds. Photo taken November 11, 2006.
U.S. 70 ends its formerly transcontinental journey here
at U.S. 60. Photo taken November 11, 2006.
Continue west on U.S. 60 to reach Phoenix, or turn right
on U.S. 60 and Arizona 77 to reach Show Low. Photo taken
November 11, 2006.
