The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced there will be no planned closures for state highway construction projects during the holiday weekends, a move that's sure to be welcomed by travelers looking for smooth sailing on their holiday ventures. As noted by ADOT, the roads will remain open to ensure that traffic moves efficiently, although minor work may still take place between next Wednesday and Jan. 5. Motorists are advised to be on the lookout for unscheduled highway restrictions that might occur due to incidents such as disabled vehicles or crashes.
Travelers taking to the highways, such as Interstate 17 north of Phoenix and Interstate 10 which stretches across the state, can expect busier conditions throughout the holiday period. Despite the lack of scheduled closures, holiday travelers should "expect the unexpected," including potential for unscheduled incident-based highway restrictions during this time. ADOT, in collaboration with law enforcement and other agencies, will be working to clear traffic impediments as quickly as possible to minimize delays.
Moreover, ADOT emphasizes the importance of driver preparation before hitting the road. They recommend ensuring vehicles are in good working order, checking tire pressure, and oil levels. Travelers are reminded always to wear seatbelts, observe speed limits and not to drink and drive. Additionally, carrying an emergency kit is advisable to be prepared for unforeseen stops or weather conditions; suggested items include bottled water, snacks, a flashlight with extra batteries, blankets, warm clothing and a first-aid kit.
The ADOT Incident Response Unit (IRU), sponsored by GEICO, will be on standby, patrolling Phoenix-area freeways to assist motorists in need. These teams will be active from 4 a.m. to midnight on weekdays, and from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. Further details regarding the IRU can be found on the ADOT website, where visitors can also access live updates on state-wide road conditions, particularly useful for holiday commuting. Real-time updates are also shared on the AZ511 app and through ADOT's Twitter handle, @ArizonaDOT.
