Travelers in north Phoenix should brace for a major highway closure this weekend, as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) completes a pavement improvement project on southbound Interstate 17. According to ADOT's announcement, the southbound lanes between State Route 74 and Loop 303 will be shut down from 10 p.m. this Friday, until 5 a.m. on Monday, March 3. This marks the final scheduled weekend closure for the I-17 project.
Motorists intending to travel through this section of the interstate will need to quickly adapt their plans and consider alternative routes to minimize disruptions. The official detour directs southbound I-17 traffic west on State Route 74, then to southbound Lake Pleasant Parkway, and finally to eastbound Loop 303 to rejoin I-17. It is advised to follow the designated detour route, as it promises to limit delays for all, even if other routes may appear shorter on navigation apps.
In an effort to communicate transparently regarding the implications of the closure, ADOT has made real-time highway conditions available through various platforms. This includes the Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, the AZ511 mobile app, and a direct phone line by calling 511. As the weekend progresses, these sources will undoubtedly become invaluable to those navigating the area.
The extensive work on the I-17 project, which began last May, includes removing the old, worn top layer of asphalt pavement and treating the concrete pavement beneath through diamond grinding. Beyond the surface improvements, focuses have also strategically been placed on the replacement of steel bridge deck joints, which span the width of the freeway, to ensure a safer and more durable infrastructure for years to come.
