October 4, 2012
Drivers traveling near the traffic interchange at Interstate 17 and State Route 69 in Cordes Junction need to be prepared for a major traffic shift beginning 7 p.m. Sunday, October 7, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The new alignments will be in place for the next three months as crews continue to reach major milestones on the reconstruction of the traffic interchange.
The following traffic shifts will be in place as crews close old bridges and ramps and open new ones:
- Northbound I-17 traffic headed toward Prescott will be directed through a new temporary road alignment that will take them to the new west roundabout (a second roundabout on the east side of I-17 has yet to be built), which will provide access to westbound SR 69.
- Southbound I-17 traffic headed toward Prescott or Cordes Junction will use the new Arcosanti Road off-ramp, which will provide access to Prescott and Cordes Junction through the west roundabout.
- Local traffic can access northbound I-17 through the on-ramp at the new Arcosanti interchange. Drivers who stop at Cordes Junction will take Stagecoach Trail to Arcosanti Road to continue north on I-17.
- Local traffic can access southbound I-17 from Cordes Junction by taking the ramp to the west roundabout, then to the on-ramp to southbound I-17.
- The ramp from SR 69 to southbound I-17 will change from two-way traffic to one-way.
In addition, I-17 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday, October 7 as crews shift traffic to the new ramps. Crews will also direct traffic on southbound SR 69 as the roadway is restriped.
Please see the attached map, which highlights the new temporary alignments and closures of existing ramps. The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage.
The work is part of a $50 million project to reconstruct the I-17/SR 69 traffic interchange, which was built in the early 1960s when traffic volumes were much lower than they are today. The new interchange will improve traffic flow and safety, while separating local and highway traffic.
Approximately 27,500 vehicles daily use this interchange, which links Phoenix and northern Arizona communities, including Prescott and Flagstaff.
ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit of 55 mph, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.
ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule.
For more information about this project please visit www.azdot.gov/statewide or contact Tricia Lewis, Prescott District Senior Community Relations Officer, at 928.606.2420. Local media should contact the ADOT Public Information Office at 1.800.949.8057. Visit us on facebook or our web site for more information about ADOT. For more information about ADOT projects and programs across Arizona see the agency's latest blog posts.
