Travelers on Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff should anticipate a significant change in their commute starting Thursday, August 7. A traffic shift is being enacted to facilitate the construction of a new wildlife overpass, as reported by ADOT. Southbound I-17 will condense to a single lane in each direction near Willard Springs Road, which is situated approximately 12 miles south of Flagstaff.
The traffic redirection is a strategic move by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), allowing steel girders to be installed without completely halting the flow of vehicles. According to information from the same ADOT announcement, the temporary lane reduction is projected to last for at least two weeks as crews work above the northbound lanes. Another shift in lanes will be necessary later in order for workers to perform similar tasks above the southbound lanes of the Interstate.
ADOT has urged drivers to budget additional time to their travel schedules, particularly when driving during the often congested weekday rush hours and weekend peaks. The adjustments on I-17 are part of a larger initiative that includes the Arizona Game and Fish Department, aimed at enhancing wildlife corridors and minimizing animal-related collisions. The overpass construction is a federally funded project, clocking in at $15.8 million, and is anticipated to reach completion by the autumn of 2026.
For those looking for up-to-the-minute traffic updates, they can be found on ADOT's Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov or through their AZ511 mobile app, downloadable at no cost for both Apple and Android users. Traffic conditions and updates are also disseminated via ADOT's social media channel, particularly through their Twitter handle @ArizonaDOT.
