Those planning to navigate Phoenix this weekend might have to rethink their routes as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) shuts down a section of the Southbound I-17. According to ADOT, the closure will cater to pavement and bridge improvements near Loop 303 in north Phoenix. Traffic will be halted from 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, to 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17, between Loop 303 and Happy Valley Road, affecting southbound I-17, including the on-ramps at SR 74/Carefree Highway and Dove Valley Road.
For detouring, ADOT advises drivers to take westbound Loop 303 to southbound Lake Pleasant Parkway and then eastbound Happy Valley Road, this is the primary detour route to minimize congestion and delays, a strategy that also recognizes the limited capacity of alternate byways not built for the weight of freeway detours. Meanwhile, streets east of I-17 will be subject to local traffic only, with some closures fully in place to prevent further traffic complications. ADOT also suggests traveling during off-peak hours, such as early morning or later at night, to bypass the heavy traffic.
Looking ahead, there are additional closures planned: northbound I-17 will be closed between Happy Valley Road and Loop 303 starting from 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, through to 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24 and then southbound I-17 will be closed again between SR 74/Carefree Highway and Loop 303 from 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, to 5 a.m. Monday, March 3, which is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen events. For those relying on real-time traffic updates, resources are available at ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site, the AZ511 app for both Apple and Android devices, or a simple phone call away by dialing 511.
