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Phoenix— Drivers heading out on state highways for the Labor Day weekend will get a break from construction closures, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
No construction closures will be scheduled along state highways, including Phoenix-area freeways, over the extended Labor Day weekend.
Meanwhile, ADOT is teaming up with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and other agencies on a campaign to limit and respond quickly to crashes or disabled vehicles along Interstate 17 north of Phoenix.
DPS, ADOT, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and other safety agencies will conduct a weekend “Stay Alert, Stay Alive” safety campaign along the busy stretch of Interstate 17 between Black Canyon City and Camp Verde.
During the weekend’s busiest travel times, including Friday and Monday afternoons, DPS will increase enforcement efforts along I-17 while also deploying freeway service patrol teams to assist motorists in need of help.
ADOT’s overhead message boards along I-17 will be used to post safety and highway-condition messages. Highway crews also are staging equipment such as front loaders and utility trucks at strategic locations along highway, including the Outlets at Anthem mall and the Sunset Point Rest Area. The equipment will allow crews to respond as soon as possible if crashes or disabled vehicles need to be cleared.
The Black Canyon City and Daisy Mountain fire departments are also part of the I-17 safety corridor efforts. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is working with local law enforcement agencies on a holiday DUI enforcement campaign.
Agencies also are gearing up to respond along other busy highways before and during the holiday weekend, including State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson, State Route 260 between Payson and Show Low, US 93 between Wickenburg and Hoover Dam as well as I-8 and I-10.
While no construction closures will be scheduled over the holiday weekend, an existing bridge-improvement work zone will slow traffic at times along Interstate 15 in northwestern Arizona, a primary route for travel between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.
In the Flagstaff area, heavier traffic should be expected along SR 89A near the I-17/J.W. Powell interchange while the Coconino County Fair is underway at Fort Tuthill Park. Although work will not be taking place on an improvement project at the interchange during the holiday weekend, the main entrance at the park will be closed and two temporary entrances into the fairgrounds will be used.
A total of eight fatalities occurred along all roadways in Arizona over last year’s Labor Day weekend. Eighteen people lost their lives over the holiday weekend in 2012.
Drivers are urged to check their vehicles, including tire pressure, and get a good night’s rest before heading out on a trip. Motorists also are urged to buckle up, be patient, obey speed limits, avoid distractions, and never drink and drive. Being prepared for unexpected closures is also a good idea. Packing extra drinking water and snack foods is recommended in case traffic is stopped due to a crash or disabled vehicle up ahead.
You can check on statewide highway conditions on ADOT’s Travel Advisory site at az511.gov or by calling 5-1-1 (within Arizona).
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