Get ready for a traffic headache, Phoenix commuters. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is gearing up for a major closure on northbound Interstate 17 north of Loop 303 this weekend, starting from 10 p.m. on Friday, May 17, until 5 a.m. on Monday, May 20. The reason behind the shutdown is pavement improvement work, which aims to give drivers a smoother and safer travel experience in the future.
Offering a detour, ADOT advises motorists to use the frontage road which will provide two lanes of travel to cope with the closure. Scheduled to be directed onto southbound I-17, all traffic on eastbound Loop 303 will make it possible for northbound detour traffic to freely flow through the intersection. "Staying on the detour route regardless of what a navigation app may suggest is the best way to reduce delays for yourself and others," ADOT announced in a recent release.
During the weekend closure, law enforcement officers will be there helping manage the traffic and maintaining local-only access at the neighborhood entrances. ADOT has also taken measures to prevent navigation apps from redirecting unsuspecting drivers onto local streets like Sonoran Desert Drive and North Valley Parkway, which could lead to even longer waits and more inconvenience.
Understanding that these operations are critical for the pavement's longevity, workers will be removing a layer of old, worn asphalt before they begin diamond grinding to smooth out the concrete surface beneath. Completed under the close watch of traffic control, "ADOT often can complete work without closing all lanes of a freeway, these closures are needed for crews to safely and effectively remove the surface asphalt and clear as much dust and debris as possible before the stretch reopens to traffic," the department explained.
Travelers who regularly use northbound I-17 from Phoenix on weekends might want to consider reworking their schedules. By departing before the Friday night closure or opting for travel in the early morning or late at night, they might dodge the worst of the congestion.
With yet another round of closures expected between Happy Valley Road and Loop 303 come June, ADOT is encouraging the public to remain informed by signing up for project traffic alerts on their website. However, drivers can breathe easy over Memorial Day weekend, as no I-17 closures are scheduled during that time.
As for now, anyone hitting the road can keep an eye on live traffic updates through ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, or by using the az511 app or calling 511 directly. And for those looking for more details on the larger I-17 Improvement Project, further information can be found at improvingI17.com.
