Busy I-17 rest area north of Phoenix opens after a year of repairs. See what's new

Michael Salerno, Arizona Republic
·2 min read
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For months, road trippers heading to Sedona and Flagstaff from Phoenix couldn't stop for bathrooms at a busy Interstate 17 rest area because it was closed for repairs.

Now, after more than a year of work, the Arizona Department of Transportation reopened the Sunset Point rest area at mile marker 252, about 46 miles north of Phoenix.

The $7.5 million renovation of the rest area involved increasing restroom capacity and improving access for travelers with disabilities.

While the rest area was closed, travelers could exit to Black Canyon City or Cordes Lakes for restrooms, gas and snacks. ADOT also put up a temporary rest area at the Badger Springs exit, which did not have facilities before; that temporary rest area will now close.

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Why was Sunset Point rest area closed?

ADOT closed the rest area to upgrade its restrooms, vending areas and water and septic systems.

The closure of the busy rest area affected many travelers who use I-17; ADOT estimated more than 1 million people stop at Sunset Point each year.

What's new at Sunset Point rest area?

Upgrades include the renovation of the original restroom building, which had been closed since a new restroom building opened in 2010.

The original building's restrooms face west to the Bradshaw Mountains, which ADOT staff described as a "sweeping view."

Travelers who stop at the newly reopened rest area will also see upgraded signs, sidewalks, lighting and landscaping, as well as new or upgraded doors, sinks and hand dryers in the bathrooms.

ADOT also renovated the ramadas and a sundial memorial honoring highway workers who died in the line of duty.

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Reach the reporter at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @salerno_phx.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sunset Point rest area on I-17 in Arizona open after a year of repairs