Springerville, AZ Point of Entry Closed Due to Asbestos Concerns

On June 9, 2009, the White Mountain Independent reported that the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) had closed the Springerville, AZ Port of Entry after the center’s roof had been damaged in a windstorm. The damaged roof materials were found to contain asbestos.

The ADOT has closed the center indefinitely, and is currently evaluating options whether to repair the facility or close it permanently. Other options include setting up a mobile team in the area, which would patrol the highways and pull over trucks suspected of violations. ADOT is also considering Weigh in Motion technology, which works in a fashion similar to the camera systems used for speed enforcement.

Even limited exposure to asbestos is known to cause serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer or asbestosis.