Phoenix drivers, brace yourselves for a weekend of slower traffic and detours. The Arizona Department of Transportation has announced significant freeway restrictions for road improvement projects along westbound Interstate 10 and other areas. Expect to squeeze into fewer lanes if you're planning to navigate the city's infamous Broadway Curve area anytime from February 2-5.
ADOT advises westbound I-10 will be especially constrained to just three lanes between Broadway Road and 40th Street from 10 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday. This squeeze is due to barrier work that's part of a broader I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project, as reported by ABC15. Not to forget, the westbound I-10 off-ramp at 40th Street will be shut too, with 40th Street closed in both directions at I-10. "Consider alternate routes, including 32nd Street," ADOT suggests, while the 40th Street closure is in effect.
It's not just I-10 that will test your patience. Southern Avenue is set to be closed completely in both directions between Priest Drive and 48th Street starting 8 p.m. Friday and will remain inaccessible until 5 a.m. Monday, according to the same ABC15 report. This closure is for bridge work, and only local access will be allowed along certain stretches. Try to make use of Broadway and Baseline roads as detours while Southern Avenue is off-limits.
Further restrictions will be felt on State Route 347. Traffic will be choked down to one lane both ways in sections between Edison Road and Maricopa’s northern city limits from 6 p.m. Sunday until 5 a.m. Monday. This is part of the continuing roadway improvement work, and ADOT urges to "allow extra travel time during overnight hours and be prepared to slow down and merge safely in all work zones," according to a statement obtained by AZDOT.
Additionally, the eastbound I-10 off-ramp at Ray Road will also be a no-go from 10 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday due to construction activities. For live updates on highway conditions, Phoenix commuters can visit ADOT's Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, download the az511 app, or simply call 511. Stay informed and opt for alternate routes to potentially save time stuck in the weekend's construction-induced traffic snarls.
