Northbound Interstate 17 is closed at Thomas Road in central Phoenix after a motorcyclist slammed into the back of a Phoenix police car, snarling traffic with no word yet on when lanes will reopen.
Motorcyclist Critically Injured, No Officers Hurt
A Department of Public Safety spokesperson said the motorcyclist crashed into the rear of a Phoenix police vehicle, as reported by AZ Family. Detectives said the motorcyclist was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, while no Phoenix police officers were hurt in the crash, according to the same outlet. The southbound lanes of I-17 were not affected by the closure, AZ Family reported.
The Arizona Department of Transportation separately confirmed that northbound I-17 is closed at Thomas Road due to the crash, according to cedarnews.net. No estimated reopening time has been announced for the northbound lanes, the outlet noted.
No Reopening Time Yet, Drivers Urged to Detour
State officials urged drivers to take an alternate route while the investigation continues, per AZ Family's reporting. Cedarnews.net similarly reported that drivers should expect delays because of the closure. Commuters heading north through central Phoenix should plan for a detour until officials provide further updates on when the lanes will reopen.
Drivers can check AZ511.gov or the AZ511 app for current traffic conditions as the closure continues to affect the area around Thomas Road.
