First section of wider I-17 opens in north Phoenix
October 29, 2009
PHOENIX – The morning commute just got better for drivers along southbound Interstate 17 in north Phoenix. The Arizona Department of Transportation has opened two new southbound lanes along I-17 between Happy Valley Road and Loop 101.
This is the first section of new lanes to open as part of a massive $142 million project to reconstruct I-17 while adding two new lanes in each direction between Loop 101 and Carefree Highway. Construction started in February 2008.
Crews worked overnight to complete lane striping on the rubberized asphalt pavement and remove construction barricades so the new three-mile stretch of southbound lanes, including a carpool lane, could open in time for the morning rush hour.
Improvements to ease traffic flow along southbound I-17 include two new exit lanes that directly connect to Loop 101. Crews also reconstructed the Deer Valley Road traffic interchange.
ADOT says two new northbound I-17 lanes are expected to open between Loop 101 and Jomax Road next month (November).
Completion of new lanes between Jomax Road and Carefree Highway is expected by early 2010.
A separate $11.2 million project to add a third lane in each direction along I-17 between Carefree Highway and Anthem Way is scheduled for completion by spring (2010). That project is among dozens of state highway projects being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
For more information about ADOT’s freeway projects in the Phoenix area visit www.valleyfreeways.com.
