Parts of I-17 in Phoenix area will be closed this weekend, ADOT warns
The Arizona Department of Transportation issued an advisory that Interstate 17 would once again have closures in certain areas for pavement improvement work.
The advisory on Wednesday follows widespread outrage and criticism from motorists who were stuck in traffic for hours on Mother's Day weekend.
The agency responded to the negative feedback from motorists saying that the road improvements were necessary and that traffic delays were an unfortunate but inevitable consequence of that.
The agency also noted that, while Mother's Day was a holiday, it is not considered a state holiday, which requires the agency to limit road closures per policy.
Where will the closures be?
ADOT said I-17's northbound lanes will be closed between Loop 303 and State Route 74 from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday while all eastbound traffic on Loop 303 will be directed to southbound traffic on the I-17 to allow northbound traffic to flow freely through the intersection.
What roads should drivers use instead?
ADOT warned drivers to not use local streets, such as Sonoran Desert Drive and North Valley Parkway, as alternate routes as doing so could lead to longer delays.
Instead, the agency recommended motorists use the frontage road along I-17 instead.
ADOT added that drivers should stay on the frontage road despite what their navigation app might tell them and that law enforcement officers will be in the area to help with local-only closures at neighborhood entrances.
Why are these closures happening?
The agency acknowledged that traffic delays can be frustrating but argued the improvements were worth the headache.
"Crews are continuing a much-needed project to improve the ride on I-17," ADOT stated. "They are removing a top layer of older, worn asphalt pavement, before advancing to work to smooth the remaining concrete surface through a process called diamond grinding. While ADOT often can complete work without closing all lanes of a freeway, these closures are needed for crews to safely and effectively remove the surface asphalt and clear as much dust and debris as possible before the stretch reopens to traffic."
ADOT recommended motorists planning to travel despite the closure to plan ahead, such as traveling before Friday night's closure begins or waiting to the early morning or late at night when traffic is typically lighter.
Angry drivers: ADOT acknowledges frustration of Interstate 17 closure on Mother's Day weekend
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ADOT warns parts of I-17 in Phoenix area will be closed this weekend
