Steel Yourself: B-10 Project in Progress

RVers coming into Quartzsite by way of Interstate 10 exit 17 prepare yourselves: The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is "at work" doing a major widening project. From the Tyson Wash crossing west to the freeway access road, heavy equipment, barricades, and slow moving vehicles (and maybe some workers) are the order of the day. Traffic is limited to one lane each direction through the work zone, and the posted speed limit is now 25. Of course, for those who've experienced the Quartzsite phenomenon at high season will recognize that 25 miles per hour on the "B-10" would be a dream come true.

The end result, according to town pundits, will be a dream come true. Five lanes of blacktop will whisk semi trucker and RVer to their destination in record time. And says ADOT, it should only take eight short months for the project start to finish. Since it all got rolling in April, the promise is that the dust, noise, and urban renewal will all be vanished by the time the big shows start. We can only hope the reality is the same as the promise.

Meantime, if you're looking to avoid congestion and don't need to visit the Pilot for a refuel, avoid that end of town. Getting off the freeway at exit 17 and heading south, to say Love's is still quick and easy. But you can bet yer brand new sewer hose that when the traffic starts to build, folks will be bottle necking the off ramps and even heading south from 17 will be a great exercise in self-control.

Our suggestion? Skip exit 17 altogether. If you're headed to any of the LTVA areas, take exit 19 and head south to Kuhen Road, take it west to Highway 95 and turn left. Want to access the 14 day areas east or north of town? Exit 19 is the answer: For the north end short-term areas, take the B-10 past "Sweet Darlene's" and make a quick right turn at the next intersection--Plymouth. Follow Plymouth north to the "L" and make a left, thence out to Highway 95 and a right turn. For Scadden Wash short term, head south as if heading to the LTVAs, but turn left on Kuhen. And for Dome Rock short term? Take the Dome Rock exit--number 11, west of town off I-10. You'll save yourselves miles of frustration.

Death, Taxes, and LTVAs

RVers can add one more thing to the list of the only things certain in life: Death, taxes, and increases in user fees by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Uncle Sam's desert land management agency has again issued a last minute update to warm the hearts of all those who camp on the area LTVAs (Long Term Visitor Areas). Sho' 'nuf, LTVA users are faced with a price hike.

Last season, an LTVA permit for the "winter season" (September 15 to April 15) ran $140 for the season, and a 14-day permit was $30. Permit fees have upped to $40 for the 14-day user, and to $180 for the full season permit. The "good news" is that water and sewer dumps are still available at the LaPosa South LTVA; and garbage disposal will be available at all four of the Quartzsite area LTVAs.

Each year, thousands of RVers stay at the Quartzsite area LTVAs. Fee increases are typically seen about every three years; old timers will remember with fondness when the fee hike to $50 for a season permit was met with astonishment. The current hikes apply not only the the LaPosa LTVAs, but all LTVAs in LaPaz County, Arizona, and Imperial County, California. Golden Age and Golden Access card holders will not find a fee reduction available on LTVA permits.