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Drivers advised to stay alert, especially in existing work zones
PHOENIX – Drivers will not encounter any state highway construction closures on the Fourth of July. The Arizona Department of Transportation says project crews will take a break from work that would require closures to limit the impact on traffic on Wednesday’s holiday.
People with highway travel plans should still be prepared for improvement project work during the week starting Monday including lane restrictions in some existing work zones. Drivers could also experience delays during peak travel periods.
ADOT and other state safety agencies, including the Arizona Department of Public Safety, are asking drivers to stay alert and concentrate on safe driving over the Independence Day holiday.
Eleven people were killed in a total of nine fatal crashes on highways and local roads across Arizona over last year’s July 4 holiday weekend. Three of the nine fatal crashes were alcohol-related and claimed four lives.
Drivers who will be on the road during the week or at other times this summer are urged to follow these safety tips:
· Check your vehicle, including tire pressure, belts and fluid levels
· Get a good night’s rest before starting out on a trip
· Buckle up, including all passengers in your vehicles
· Stay patient, don’t speed and don’t tailgate
· Be prepared for changing weather, including possible dust storms
· Expect the unexpected, including closures due to crashes or events such as wildfires
· Pack extra drinking water and snack foods
· Never drink and drive
· Avoiding parking your vehicle on dry grass and driving through tall grass. Hot vehicle parts can spark a brush fire
· Check road conditions in advance at www.az511.gov or by calling 5-1-1
For those traveling next week, but not on the Fourth of July holiday, ADOT reminds drivers to be aware of the following state highway improvement projects:
Northbound Interstate 17 near Camp Verde narrowed to one lane at times from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on Sunday, Monday and Thursday for paving project
I-17 at Cordes Junction and at Munds Park (20 miles south of Flagstaff) narrowed due to interchange reconstruction projects.
State Route 260, 20 miles east of Payson, narrowed at times for a widening project.
Interstate 8 in Gila Bend narrowed at times from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for roadway repairs.
Westbound I-8 in Yuma narrowed to one lane at times on Monday and Tuesday for guardrail repair.
This summer ADOT has teamed up with DPS, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the National Weather Service and other agencies to launch the “Pull Aside – Stay Alive” dust storm awareness campaign. Drivers are encouraged to avoid driving into a dust storm and to be prepared to exit ahead of a storm or to take steps to safely pull off a highway if and when they encounter low or zero-visibility conditions. More information is available at www.PullAsideStayAlive.org.
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