I-17

ADOT completes I-17 pavement, bridge projects in Flagstaff area

ADOT completes I-17 pavement, bridge projects in Flagstaff area

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT completes I-17 pavement, bridge projects in Flagstaff area

ADOT completes I-17 pavement, bridge projects in Flagstaff area

December 4, 2024

30 miles of southbound I-17 resurfaced, new Powell Blvd bridge built

FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation has completed two improvement projects along Interstate 17 in the Flagstaff area in time for holiday and winter travel.

Crews have finished a $35 million project to resurface and make other improvements along 30 miles of southbound I-17 between McConnell Drive in Flagstaff and the Mogollon Rim scenic overlook. Nine bridges and a number of I-17 on- and off-ramps also were resurfaced. Work on the pavement improvements started in May 2022 and was completed before Thanksgiving.

Meanwhile, an $8.2 million project to construct a new bridge carrying J.W. Powell Boulevard over I-17 near Flagstaff’s Pulliam Airport was completed this week. Work to replace the old Powell Boulevard bridge with a modern structure started in April.

The J.W. Powell Boulevard bridge is part of an often busy I-17 interchange that provides access to and from both Pulliam Airport and nearby Fort Tuthill Park.  

In addition to the new bridge providing a larger structure for vehicles traveling over I-17, the project has improved crossings for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Crews constructed the project in stages. The new bridge was built next to the smaller existing J.W. Powell Boulevard structure. Completion of part of the new crossing allowed traffic to be switched from the old bridge. That older structure was then removed, clearing the way for completion of the entire project.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov and via the AZ511 app (download free for Apple and Android devices). ADOT also provides highway condition updates via its X/Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT

 

PODCAST: Big things happening on the I-17 widening/flex lanes project

PODCAST: Big things happening on the I-17 widening/flex lanes project

PODCAST: Big things happening on the I-17 widening/flex lanes project

PODCAST: Big things happening on the I-17 widening/flex lanes project

By Steve Elliott / ADOT Communications
November 17, 2024
On the Road With ADOT Logo

Listen to the podcast! (or use the embed below)

The I-17 Improvement Project continues to make progress with the 15 miles of widening between Anthem Way and Black Canyon City and with the 8 miles of flex lanes being constructed between Black Canyon City to Sunset Point. You can get the latest in this episode of On the Road With ADOT. 

Laura Douglas, our communications led on this major project, shares with host Doug Nintzel how crews continue paving various sections of the 23-mile project corridor, while also focusing on the bridge work, earthwork, and, most recently, installation of the flex lanes technology. 

And, just in time for the holiday travel season, a newly redesigned I-17 Improvement Project website will be unveiled before Thanksgiving. The website focuses on additional features to keep the driving public informed and engaged about the progress of the project.

You can subscribe to episodes of On the Road with ADOT through Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You also can find episodes at azdot.gov/Podcast and featured in ADOT Blog posts. You can subscribe to episodes of On the Road with ADOT through Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You also can find episodes at azdot.gov/Podcast and featured in ADOT Blog posts.

ADOT: SR 89A rockfall mitigation work in Oak Creek Canyon finished

ADOT: SR 89A rockfall mitigation work in Oak Creek Canyon finished

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT: SR 89A rockfall mitigation work in Oak Creek Canyon finished

ADOT: SR 89A rockfall mitigation work in Oak Creek Canyon finished

October 17, 2024

Traffic restrictions along the highway’s switchbacks section lifted

FLAGSTAFF – A series of highway improvement projects which included rockfall mitigation in the area of the State Route 89A switchbacks in Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona has been completed, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Traffic restrictions south of the SR 89A Oak Creek Vista scenic overlook have been lifted. 

Three ADOT projects allowed crews to remove loose material and stabilize a cliff face along the switchbacks where a rockslide occurred in March 2023, as well as remove a large rock overhang just north of the city of Sedona. The SR 89A Pumphouse Wash Bridge near the switchbacks was improved and ADOT’s team has now finished an erosion and sediment control project.

That recently completed project included the installation of a new pipeline to direct storm runoff away from the switchbacks area cliff face and into an improved culvert that carries the water toward Oak Creek. Construction contracts for the three projects totaled $11.1 million.

ADOT and its project team collaborated with local and regional safety agencies to maintain emergency vehicle access and be prepared for events, including wildfires, that might require a response.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, the az511 app (download for Apple or Android devices) or by calling 511. 

SR 89A improved retaining wall along switchbacks (Oak Creek Canyon) ADOT photo

North Valley Alert: Overnight restrictions on I-17 southbound

North Valley Alert: Overnight restrictions on I-17 southbound

I-17 101 traffic interchange

North Valley Alert: Overnight restrictions on I-17 southbound

North Valley Alert: Overnight restrictions on I-17 southbound

October 2, 2024

Drivers should budget extra time and avoid using local streets

PHOENIX – Work improving the Interstate 17 pavement surface in north Phoenix will occur only overnight this weekend, with southbound I-17 reduced to one lane beginning on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane overnight only between State Route 74/Carefree Highway and Dixileta Drive from 9 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday; 9 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday; and 9 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday. 

The Arizona Department of Transportation is continuing a much-needed project along I-17 between Happy Valley Road and State Route 74. An older and rough top layer of asphalt pavement has been removed and specialized equipment is now being used to diamond grind the base concrete pavement, creating a smoother, safer and longer lasting riding surface along 6 miles of I-17. 

Drivers using I-17 southbound during these restrictions should budget extra time. Despite what a travel app may recommend, they should avoid attempting to detour on neighborhood streets that aren’t designed for freeway traffic. 

Future weekend restrictions for this project are currently scheduled as follows:

  • Beginning Friday night, Oct. 11: Southbound I-17 narrowed to one lane starting at SR 74/Carefree Highway and closed at Loop 303/Sonoran Desert Drive, with traffic using off- and on-ramps.
  • Beginning Friday night, Oct. 18: Southbound I-17 closed at Loop 303/Sonoran Desert Drive, with traffic using off- and on-ramps, and then narrowed to one lane between Loop 303 and Happy Valley Road.

ADOT encourages drivers to sign up for project traffic alerts at azdot.gov/i-17HappyValleySR74.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, the AZ511 app (download for Apple or Android devices) or by calling 511.

Weekend Alert: Southbound I-17 closed at Loop 303 (Sept. 13-16)

Weekend Alert: Southbound I-17 closed at Loop 303 (Sept. 13-16)

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Weekend Alert: Southbound I-17 closed at Loop 303 (Sept. 13-16)

Weekend Alert: Southbound I-17 closed at Loop 303 (Sept. 13-16)

September 11, 2024

Detour will use Loop 303 off- and on-ramps; I-17 lanes also restricted

PHOENIX – Southbound Interstate 17 will be closed at Loop 303 from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 13-16, for ongoing pavement improvement work, with traffic taking the off- and on-ramps and then using one lane until Jomax Road.

Drivers should allow extra time, consider traveling during non-peak morning or nighttime hours and stay on the designated detour route.

To help keep traffic moving through the work zone, Loop 303/Sonoran Desert Drive will be closed under I-17. Eastbound Loop 303 traffic can reach northbound I-17 by taking I-17 southbound to Happy Valley Road. 

ADOT offers these additional tips to assist drivers when I-17 weekend closures are scheduled:

  • Stay on the detour route regardless of what a navigation app may suggest. This is the best way to reduce delays for yourself and others. Avoid attempting to detour on local streets, which are not designed for large traffic volumes.
     
  • ADOT will be placing local-traffic-only closures at neighborhood entrances on a number of streets near I-17 to help keep detouring traffic off local roadways. Law enforcement officers will be stationed at intersections throughout the area to assist with traffic flow.

Crews are continuing a much-needed project to improve the ride on 6 miles of I-17 between Happy Valley Road and State Route 74. Additional I-17 closures or lane restrictions will be needed as the work proceeds. ADOT encourages drivers to sign up for project traffic alerts at azdot.gov/i-17HappyValleySR74.

Following the initial removal of an old, worn top layer of asphalt pavement along the freeway, crews are smoothing the freeway’s remaining concrete surface through a process called diamond grinding. Diamond grinding has been used in recent years to create a smoother and more durable road surface on a number of Phoenix-area freeways, including I-10, I-17, Loop 101 and Loop 202.

Future weekend restrictions for this project are currently scheduled as follows:

  • Northbound I-17 narrowed to one lane between Loop 303 and SR 74/Carefree Highway from 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23, and from 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27, to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, the AZ511 app (download for Apple or Android devices) or by calling 511.

Weekend Alert: Northbound I-17 closed at Jomax Road (Sept. 6-9)

Weekend Alert: Northbound I-17 closed at Jomax Road (Sept. 6-9)

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Weekend Alert: Northbound I-17 closed at Jomax Road (Sept. 6-9)

Weekend Alert: Northbound I-17 closed at Jomax Road (Sept. 6-9)

September 4, 2024

Detour will use off- and on-ramps; lanes also restricted in area

PHOENIX – Northbound Interstate 17 will be closed at Jomax Road in north Phoenix from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (Sept. 9) for ongoing pavement improvement work, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. 

Traffic will detour along the northbound I-17 off- and on-ramps at Jomax Road. Northbound I-17 also will be narrowed to one lane between Jomax Road and Loop 303/Sonoran Desert Drive. 

Drivers should allow extra time, consider traveling during non-peak morning or nighttime hours and stay on the designated detour route.

ADOT offers these additional tips to assist drivers when I-17 weekend closures are scheduled:

  • Stay on the detour route regardless of what a navigation app may suggest. This is the best way to reduce delays for yourself and others. Avoid attempting to detour on local streets, which are not designed for large traffic volumes.
  • ADOT will be placing local-traffic-only closures at neighborhood entrances on a number of streets near I-17 to help keep detouring traffic off local roadways. Law enforcement officers will be stationed at intersections throughout the area to assist with traffic flow.

Crews are continuing a much-needed project to improve the ride on 6 miles of I-17 between Happy Valley Road and State Route 74. Additional I-17 closures or lane restrictions will be needed as the work proceeds. ADOT encourages drivers to sign up for project traffic alerts at azdot.gov/i-17HappyValleySR74.

Following the initial removal of an old, worn top layer of asphalt pavement along the freeway, crews have been replacing bridge deck joints and have started smoothing the freeway’s remaining concrete surface through a process called diamond grinding. Diamond grinding has been used in recent years to create a smoother and more durable road surface on a number of Phoenix-area freeways, including I-10, I-17, Loop 101 and Loop 202.

Future weekend restrictions are currently scheduled as follows:

  • Southbound I-17 closed at Loop 303 from 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 16. Traffic will detour along the off- and on-ramps at Loop 303. Southbound I-17 also narrowed to one lane between Loop 303 and Jomax Road.
  • Northbound I-17 narrowed to one lane between Loop 303 and SR 74/Carefree Highway from 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23.

Lengthy traffic backups are unavoidable during freeway closures like those required along I-17, so drivers should plan ahead. Those with weekend plans to use I-17 through the north Valley can consider traveling before closures begin on Friday nights. Traffic on I-17 also generally is lighter during the early morning hours or later at night and is expected to be especially busy by midday on Saturday and Sunday.

The I-17 pavement work between Happy Valley Road and SR 74 is separate from the I-17 Improvement Project currently underway north of Anthem Way. For more information about that larger project visit improvingi17.com. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit within that project’s work zone is 65 mph. 

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, the AZ511 app (download for Apple or Android devices) or by calling 511.

Northbound I-17 Closure Map (Jomax Rd) Sept. 6, 2024 - ADOT

Plan for weekend I-17 northbound closure in north Valley

Plan for weekend I-17 northbound closure in north Valley

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Plan for weekend I-17 northbound closure in north Valley

Plan for weekend I-17 northbound closure in north Valley

August 7, 2024

Follow posted route, not travel apps, off and on at Jomax Road

PHOENIX – Drivers planning to use northbound Interstate 17 in the north Valley this weekend should budget extra time. A pavement improvement project is taking traffic off and back on at Jomax Road and reducing the freeway to one lane until Loop 303/Sonoran Desert Drive.

The closure at Jomax Road using the off- and on-ramps and the lane restrictions are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Friday and end by 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12. Drivers should plan for delays, especially from morning to early afternoon Saturday and Sunday, and may want to consider traveling through the area earlier or later.

To help keep traffic moving through the work zone, Jomax Road will be closed at I-17 other than for northbound drivers exiting the freeway to turn right.

Crews are continuing a much-needed project to improve the ride on 6 miles of I-17 between Happy Valley Road and State Route 74. Additional I-17 closures or lane restrictions will be needed as the work proceeds. ADOT encourages drivers to sign up for project traffic alerts at azdot.gov/i-17HappyValleySR74.

ADOT offers these additional tips:

  • Stay on the detour route regardless of what a navigation app may suggest. This is the best way to reduce delays for yourself and others. Avoid attempting to detour on local streets, which are not designed for large traffic volumes.
     
  • ADOT will be placing local-only closures at neighborhood entrances on a number of streets near I-17 to help direct detour traffic away from local roadways. Law enforcement officers will be stationed at intersections throughout the area to assist with traffic flow.
     
  • Lengthy traffic backups are unavoidable during freeway closures like this one, so drivers should plan ahead. Those with weekend plans to use northbound I-17 through the north Valley can consider traveling before Friday night’s closure begins. Traffic on northbound I-17 also generally is lighter during the early morning hours or later at night and is expected to be especially busy on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Following the initial removal of an old, worn top layer of asphalt pavement along the freeway, crews have been replacing bridge deck joints and have started smoothing the freeway’s remaining concrete surface through a process called diamond grinding. Diamond grinding has been used in recent years to create a smoother and more durable road surface on a number of Phoenix-area freeways, including I-10, I-17, Loop 101 and Loop 202.

The I-17 pavement work between Happy Valley Road and SR 74 is separate from the I-17 Improvement Project currently underway north of Anthem Way. For more information about that larger project visit improvingi17.com. Drivers are reminded that the speed limit within that project’s work zone is 65 mph. 

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, the AZ511 app (download for Apple or Android devices) or by calling 511.

 

Regional planning agency touts ADOT’s work on upgraded I-17 drainage system

Regional planning agency touts ADOT’s work on upgraded I-17 drainage system

Regional planning agency touts ADOT’s work on upgraded I-17 drainage system

Regional planning agency touts ADOT’s work on upgraded I-17 drainage system

By Doug Nintzel / ADOT Communications
August 2, 2024
Interstate 17 drainage system graphic

The Phoenix area’s metropolitan planning organization is praising the performance of the modernized Interstate 17 regional drainage system between Dunlap Avenue and Greenway Road, a project ADOT completed in 2023.

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) funded the $49.5 million, gravity-powered system, which uses angled pipelines to move stormwater to basins and channels in the area. A recent MAG news release notes that the system has worked as designed and addressed the longstanding problem of rainwater building up in cross-street underpasses along this stretch of I-17 in Phoenix.

The I-17 drainage project removed old stormwater pump stations. While we thank them for their service, those pump stations dated back to 1964. 

ADOT Senior Resident Engineer Jimmy Naujokaitis, who led the agency’s project team, says in the release that there haven’t been significant buildups of standing water since the new system went into operation last summer.

"Now that we don't have to rely on mechanical means to remove runoff in the underpasses, the dependability of the drainage infrastructure along this section of I-17 north of Dunlap Avenue has significantly increased," Naujokaitis said.

Although no system can guarantee preventing standing water from gathering when heavy storms strike, this upgrade is off to a very good start. Thanks to hard work by an ADOT team – and gravity.

 

Plan for weekend I-17 southbound restrictions in north Valley

Plan for weekend I-17 southbound restrictions in north Valley

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Plan for weekend I-17 southbound restrictions in north Valley

Plan for weekend I-17 southbound restrictions in north Valley

July 17, 2024

Reduced to one lane from SR 74 to Dixileta Drive

PHOENIX – Drivers planning to use southbound Interstate 17 in the north Valley this weekend should budget extra time. Pavement improvement work is reducing the freeway down to one lane for three miles from State Route 74 (Carefree Highway) to Dixileta Drive. 

The lane restrictions are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Friday, July 19, and end by 5 a.m. Monday, July 22. Drivers should plan for delays, especially from afternoon into early evening on Saturday and Sunday, and may want to consider traveling through the area earlier or later. 

The work continues a much-needed project to improve the ride on six miles of I-17 between Happy Valley Road and SR 74. The project has already removed the top layer of older, worn asphalt pavement and crews will smooth the concrete surface through a process called diamond grinding and additional concrete work that requires extended time to cure. 

While there is no detour, ADOT encourages drivers to pack their patience, use caution and be prepared to slow down and merge safely as they travel on the highway through the three mile restriction. Staying on this route regardless of what a navigation app may suggest is the best way for drivers to reduce delays and avoid bringing unnecessary extra traffic in and around neighborhoods.

Weekend details:

  • Southbound I-17 will be restricted to one lane from State Route 74/Carefree Highway to Dixileta Drive from 9 p.m. Friday, July 19, to 5 a.m. Monday, July 22.
  • The Loop 303 ramp to southbound I-17 will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday, July 19, to 5 a.m. Monday, July 22.
  • The SR 74/Carefree Highway ramp to southbound I-17 will be closed nightly 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20. NOTE: The cloverleaf ramp to southbound I-17 will remain open. 

July 17 & 18 nightly details:

  • Southbound I-17 will be restricted to one lane between SR 74/Carefree Highway and Loop 303/Sonoran Desert Drive nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday, July 17, and Thursday, July 18.
    • The southbound I-17 on-ramp at SR 74/Carefree Highway also will be closed during these nights. NOTE: The cloverleaf ramp to southbound I-17 will remain open. 
    • The Loop 303 on-ramp to southbound I-17 will be closed from 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, to 5 a.m. Thursday, July 18.

To learn more about this project and subscribe for updates, please visit  azdot.gov/i-17HappyValleySR74

The I-17 pavement work between SR 74 and Happy Valley Road is separate from the I-17 Improvement Project currently underway north of Anthem Way. For more information about that larger project visit improvingi17.com

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, the az511 app (download for Apple or Android devices) or by calling 511.

 

Plan for weekend I-17 southbound restriction in north Valley

Plan for weekend I-17 southbound restriction in north Valley

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Plan for weekend I-17 southbound restriction in north Valley

Plan for weekend I-17 southbound restriction in north Valley

July 9, 2024

Reduced to one lane at Loop 303, exiting/re-entering at Jomax Road

PHOENIX – Drivers planning to use southbound Interstate 17 in the north Valley this weekend should budget extra time with pavement improvement work reducing the freeway to one lane at Loop 303/Sonoran Desert Drive and with traffic exiting and re-entering at Jomax Road. 

The lane restrictions and the closure at Jomax Road, with traffic using the off- and on-ramps, are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Friday and end by 5 a.m. Monday, July 15. Drivers should plan for delays, especially from afternoon into early evening on Saturday and Sunday, and may want to consider traveling through the area earlier or later. 

Continuing a much-needed project to improve the ride on 6 miles of I-17 between Happy Valley Road and State Route 74, crews will be replacing bridge deck joints, among other work, in the stretch between Loop 303/Sonoran Desert Drive and Jomax Road. The project has already removed the top layer of older, worn asphalt pavement and later will smooth the remaining concrete surface through a process called diamond grinding. 

Other details:

  • To help keep traffic moving through the work zone this weekend, east- and westbound Jomax Road will be closed at I-17. Southbound I-17 drivers wanting to access Jomax Road can continue to Happy Valley Road and use northbound 19th Avenue.

  • Drivers wanting to enter southbound I-17 at Jomax Road will be directed onto northbound I-17 to access southbound I-17 at Loop 303/Sonoran Desert Drive.

  • The southbound I-17 off-ramp at Loop 303/Sonoran Desert Drive will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday until 8 a.m. Saturday, July 13, and from 9 p.m. Saturday until 5 a.m. Sunday, July 14.

  • Earlier in the week, on Wednesday and Thursday nights, July 10 and 11, southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane between Loop 303 and Dixileta Drive from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. The southbound I-17 on-ramp at Loop 303/Sonoran Desert Drive also will be closed during the same hours. 

To learn more about this project and subscribe for updates, please visit  azdot.gov/i-17HappyValleySR74

The I-17 pavement work between SR 74 and Happy Valley Road is separate from the I-17 Improvement Project currently underway north of Anthem Way. For more information about that larger project visit improvingi17.com

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, the az511 app (download for Apple or Android devices) or by calling 511.