I-17

Southbound I-17 reopens early in north Valley after pavement work

Southbound I-17 reopens early in north Valley after pavement work

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Southbound I-17 reopens early in north Valley after pavement work

Southbound I-17 reopens early in north Valley after pavement work

June 2, 2024

Crews continued much-needed project to smooth the ride

PHOENIX – Southbound Interstate 17 has reopened early between Loop 303 and Happy Valley Road following weekend pavement work. 

The Arizona Department of Transportation is grateful to motorists who used the posted detour route, which moved traffic efficiently throughout the weekend. 

Continuing a much-needed project to improve the ride on I-17 between Happy Valley Road and SR 74, crews removed a top layer of older, worn asphalt pavement before advancing to work to smooth the 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.

While ADOT often can complete work without closing all lanes of a freeway, this weekend closure and two previous ones were needed for crews to safely and effectively remove the surface asphalt and clear as much dust and debris as possible before the stretch reopened to traffic.

A northbound I-17 closure is planned for next weekend between Happy Valley Road and Loop 303 to complete this phase of the project. ADOT encourages drivers to sign up for project traffic alerts at azdot.gov/projects (see Central District projects).

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 or by calling 511.

Northbound I-17 reopens early in north Valley after pavement work

Northbound I-17 reopens early in north Valley after pavement work

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Northbound I-17 reopens early in north Valley after pavement work

Northbound I-17 reopens early in north Valley after pavement work

May 19, 2024

Crews removed surface pavement between Loop 303 and SR 74

PHOENIX – A busy stretch of northbound Interstate 17 has reopened early between Loop 303 and State Route 74 in the north Valley after weekend pavement work, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The posted detour using the northbound I-17 frontage road moved traffic efficiently throughout the weekend, and ADOT is grateful to drivers who heeded advice to use this route. Law enforcement officers and ADOT personnel were in the area to assist with local-only closures at neighborhood entrances. Staying on the posted detour, regardless of what a navigation app may have suggested, proved to be the best way to minimize delays.

Continuing a much-needed project to improve the ride on I-17 between Happy Valley Road and SR 74, crews removed a top layer of older, worn asphalt pavement, before advancing to work to smooth the 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.

While ADOT often can complete work without closing all lanes of a freeway, this closure and one the previous weekend southbound between SR 74 and Loop 303 were needed for crews to safely and effectively remove the surface asphalt and clear as much dust and debris as possible before the stretch reopened to traffic.

No I-17 closures are scheduled over Memorial Day weekend. To learn more about this project and to subscribe for updates, please visit azdot.gov/projects (see Central District projects).

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. 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 or by calling 511.

 

ADOT Alert: Plan for northbound I-17 closure north of Loop 303

ADOT Alert: Plan for northbound I-17 closure north of Loop 303

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT Alert: Plan for northbound I-17 closure north of Loop 303

ADOT Alert: Plan for northbound I-17 closure north of Loop 303

May 15, 2024

Stay on detour route, which follows two-lane frontage road

PHOENIX – A busy stretch of northbound Interstate 17 in north Phoenix is scheduled to be closed this weekend (May 17-20) for pavement improvement work, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Drivers should allow extra travel time and stay on the designated detour route, which uses the frontage road, while northbound I-17 is closed between Loop 303 and State Route 74 from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Additionally, all traffic on eastbound Loop 303 will be directed to southbound I-17 to allow northbound detour traffic to freely flow through the intersection.

ADOT is advising drivers to not use local streets – including Sonoran Desert Drive and North Valley Parkway – as alternate routes, which is a recipe for longer delays and inconvenience for all. Using the frontage road, which offers two travel lanes (see detour map below), is safer for you and for those living nearby as well as being the most efficient route through the area.

Law enforcement officers will work throughout the area to assist with local-only closures at neighborhood entrances. ADOT also is taking steps to reduce the chances that navigation apps will direct drivers to local roads. Staying on the detour route regardless of what a navigation app may suggest is the best way to reduce delays for yourself and others.  

Crews are continuing a much-needed project to improve the ride on I-17. They are removing a top layer of older, worn asphalt pavement, before advancing to work to smooth the remaining concrete surface through a process called diamond grinding. While ADOT often can complete work without closing all lanes of a freeway, these closures are needed for crews to safely and  effectively remove the surface asphalt and clear as much dust and debris as possible before the stretch reopens to traffic.

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.

Lengthy traffic backups are unavoidable during these closures, so drivers should plan ahead. Those with weekend plans to use northbound I-17 from Phoenix may want to consider avoiding delays by traveling before Friday night’s closure begins. Traffic on the northbound freeway also will be lighter during the early morning hours or later at night.

With additional weekend closures needed between Happy Valley Road and Loop 303 in June, ADOT encourages drivers to sign up for project traffic alerts at azdot.gov/projects (see Central District projects). No I-17 closures are scheduled over Memorial Day weekend. 

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. 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 or by calling 511.

Map of I-17 detour route

 

Moving Mountains: Blasting complete for the I-17 Improvement Project

Moving Mountains: Blasting complete for the I-17 Improvement Project

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Moving Mountains: Blasting complete for the I-17 Improvement Project

Moving Mountains: Blasting complete for the I-17 Improvement Project

May 8, 2024

Blasting was a crucial earthwork operation for constructing the new lanes

 

PHOENIX – If you’ve recently traveled along Interstate 17 north of the Phoenix metro area, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that the landscape looks a lot different. Entire sections of the mountainsides have been removed through controlled rock blasting, and this major earthwork operation is now complete ahead of the start of the summer travel season. 

This tremendous effort was necessary to make way for the additional lanes from Anthem Way to Sunset Point. That includes 15 miles of widening and 8 miles of flex lanes along the entire 23-mile I-17 Improvement Project corridor

Controlled rock blasting began in December 2022 and required full closures of I-17 in both directions to keep everyone safe, including the traveling public. Because I-17 is such a heavily traveled highway, blasting took place at 10 p.m. during the weeknights and involved a very tight schedule. Crews had just one hour to close the highway, carry out the blasting operation, clear the debris, and then reopen the highway. 

The team conducted a total of 62 blasts at seven different locations along the project corridor over the course of a year. That’s far less than the initial estimate of 120 blasts. In many circumstances, crews were instead able to “rip” or excavate rock in certain areas using heavy equipment. Ripping is the preferred method of rock removal because it lessens the impacts on traffic. Areas where the rock material was too hard to be ripped needed to be blasted instead.

Blasting operations were a success not only because the I-17 project team was able to reduce the number of blasts and the associated full closures of I-17, but also because the team was able to complete most blasts in less time than the scheduled hour-long operation. In many cases, traffic was only stopped for about 20 minutes.

Approximately 177,000 cubic yards of rock and material was removed during the blasting process, then hauled to another area of the project to be reincorporated into the new roadway. A large portion of the blasted material is crushed and then used as aggregate base, embankment and rock mulch along the 23 miles of new lanes. The construction team is using everything that is removed by putting it back into the project. This eliminates the need to outsource material and cuts down on construction costs. 

The entire 23-mile stretch between Anthem Way and Sunset Point remains under construction throughout 2024 and into 2025, as the new lanes are constructed and paved and a dozen bridges are either widened or replaced. The 15 miles of new lanes between Anthem Way and Black Canyon City are expected to open by the end of 2024, and the eight miles of flex lanes between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point are expected to open in 2025. 

Once fully complete in 2025, this major design-build project will help alleviate congestion and improve safety and traffic flow along a Key Commerce Corridor that is crucial to the state’s travel, tourism and economic development opportunities. 

As a reminder to all drivers, ADOT lowered the speed limit to 65 mph along the entire 23-mile construction zone between Anthem Way and Sunset Point as a safety measure to reduce crashes due to excessive speed. The Arizona Department of Public Safety is partnering with ADOT to enforce the reduced speed limit. Both agencies strongly urge drivers to slow down, pay attention in the work zone, and watch for construction workers, vehicles and equipment. 

For more information about the I-17 Improvement Project, visit improvingi17.com

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Time to get started on a new bridge over I-17 near Flagstaff’s airport

Time to get started on a new bridge over I-17 near Flagstaff’s airport

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Time to get started on a new bridge over I-17 near Flagstaff’s airport

Time to get started on a new bridge over I-17 near Flagstaff’s airport

By Doug Nintzel / ADOT Communications
April 10, 2024
A map of a project area.

In spring a young engineer’s fancy turns to replacing an overpass in the high country. With apologies to Alfred, Lord Tennyson, I’ll also admit that our engineer may not be all that young but he or she does want to get going on a new bridge over I-17 near Flagstaff's Pulliam Airport.

As it turns out, the arrival of warmer spring weather has brought us April’s launch of ADOT’s $8.2 million project to put a new, modern bridge in place that will carry J.W. Powell Boulevard over I-17 a few miles south of the I-40 interchange.

The work will be done in stages. It will first focus on building a new bridge directly south of the existing, older structure. The current bridge will continue to carry vehicles on J.W. Powell Boulevard over I-17 during construction. It won’t be removed until after the contractor is ready to switch traffic to the new structure.

ADOT’s team is working to finish the project by late this year, if weather permits.

If you have plans to travel in that area, here are a few things to know about planned restrictions along I-17 or J.W. Powell Boulevard. Most of the bridge work will take place from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 5 a.m. to noon on Fridays. That schedule was arranged to limit impacts on those of us planning weekend getaways to and from Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon and other area destinations. Work also is not planned on the Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day holidays.

During times when any significant overnight restrictions, including closures, are needed along I-17, highway traffic will detour along the off- and on-ramps at J.W. Powell Boulevard.

It also should be noted that pedestrians and cyclists cannot use J.W. Powell Boulevard to cross over I-17 now that construction is underway. But there are convenient alternate routes.

Traffic also will continue to use the twin roundabouts west of the current bridge during construction, although roundabout approaches within the interchange will be realigned to fit with the location of the new bridge. Drivers should stay alert to construction activities, slow down and watch for flag crews who at times will be directing traffic.

Need to know more about this project? Visit here to learn more. And we want you to know you can subscribe here (at no charge) to receive email alerts about this project and more.

ADOT starting I-17 J.W. Powell Blvd bridge replacement

ADOT starting I-17 J.W. Powell Blvd bridge replacement

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT starting I-17 J.W. Powell Blvd bridge replacement

ADOT starting I-17 J.W. Powell Blvd bridge replacement

March 27, 2024

Detours planned at times near Flagstaff’s Pulliam Airport, Fort Tuthill

FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation is set to begin an $8.2 million project to build a new bridge carrying J.W. Powell Boulevard over Interstate 17 near Flagstaff’s Pulliam Airport. Work is scheduled to begin the week of April 1, weather permitting.

The new bridge will be built next to the existing J.W. Powell Boulevard structure and traffic will continue using the old bridge during much of the construction. Detours will be in place at times. The project is scheduled for completion by late this year.

Most of the bridge work will be scheduled from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 5 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Work is not planned on weekends or holidays. When any significant overnight restrictions along I-17, including closures, are needed, traffic will detour along the off- and on-ramps at the J.W. Powell Boulevard interchange.

Pedestrians and bike riders will not be able to use J.W. Powell Boulevard over I-17 beginning April 3 through the end of construction. Alternate routes will be in place.

Traffic also will continue to use the twin roundabouts west of the current bridge during construction although roundabout approaches within the interchange will be realigned to fit with the location of the new bridge. Drivers should stay alert to construction activities, slow down and watch for flag crews who at times will be directing traffic.

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

ADOT Map: J.W. Powell Blvd new bridge project along I-17 (Flagstaff Area)

Federal grant will fund I-17 wildlife overpass near Flagstaff

Federal grant will fund I-17 wildlife overpass near Flagstaff

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Federal grant will fund I-17 wildlife overpass near Flagstaff

Federal grant will fund I-17 wildlife overpass near Flagstaff

December 4, 2023

Award of $24 million comes from Federal Highway Administration

PHOENIX – The Federal Highway Administration has awarded Arizona a $24 million grant for a wildlife overpass and other improvements designed to reduce crashes involving wildlife and better connect habitats along Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff in northern Arizona. 

The Arizona Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, sought the grant through FHWA’s Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program for improvements along 8.4 miles of I-17 between the Munds Park traffic interchange, about 25 miles south of Flagstaff, and the Kelly Canyon traffic interchange to the north. 

“I am grateful to the Federal Highway Administration for supporting Arizona’s commitment to protecting its residents, visitors and wildlife,” Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs said. “Many drivers use I-17 as a gateway to some of Arizona’s most popular treasures, including the Grand Canyon. While helping keep those travelers safe, this project will support elk, deer and other wildlife that make Arizona so special.”

The I-17 wildlife project is one of 19 nationally to receive funding through the first round of $110 million in grants from FHWA.

“We are pleased to announce the first round of grants under the Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program to projects that will significantly reduce the number of collisions between motorists and wildlife,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt, who traveled to Arizona to make the announcement at Sunset Point along I-17. “These roadway safety investments will ensure that motorists and wildlife in Arizona get to their destinations safely and are a win-win for safety and the environment.”

In addition to the I-17 wildlife overpass, which is planned for milepost 327.4 in the Willard Springs area, the project also will include new 8-foot-tall wildlife fencing tying into existing culverts, ramps to help wildlife escape fenced areas and double cattle guards at interchanges. It will connect with a Game and Fish project that will retrofit wildlife fencing along 6 miles of I-17 south from Munds Park that directs wildlife to two existing large bridges. The nearly 15 miles covered by these two safety projects accounted for 58% of crashes involving wildlife between 2018 and 2022 between Stoneman Lake Road and Flagstaff. In this 31.7-mile stretch, around three-quarters of all crashes between vehicles and wildlife involve elk, which can weigh up to 1,100 pounds.

The area between Munds Park and Kelly Canyon is one of three priority areas proposed by the state for new wildlife overpasses because of higher potential for collisions involving wildlife, particularly elk and deer. The other interstate freeway locations identified as potential sites for wildlife overpasses are I-17 near the Kachina Boulevard interchange, about 6 miles south of Flagstaff, and Interstate 40 west of Parks. ADOT and its partners continue to seek funding for projects at the other two priority sites. 

Identified by the federal, state and Coconino County governments as a high priority corridor for elk movement, the 8.4 miles of I-17 through the Willard Springs area currently has no bridges and only one road culvert suitable for use by elk and deer. The wildlife overpass will be 100 feet wide designed for use by elk, deer, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, black bears, mountain lions and smaller animals. 

A projected start date will be determined in the coming months. The project will require completion of final design, including environmental review, project programming and other required steps. This process will be initiated due to the federal grant.

In 2015, FHWA awarded ADOT, the Arizona Game and Fish Department and other partners its Environmental Excellence Award for Excellence in Environmental Leadership for numerous efforts to reduce conflicts between vehicles and wildlife while connecting habitats.

“ADOT has a rich history of coordinating with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and other partners on projects that promote safety for both motorists and wildlife,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said. “This grant will advance these efforts in a critical corridor for recreational and commercial travel while helping elk, deer and other creatures whose habitats span northern Arizona.” 

For the project funded by the Federal Highway Administration grant, Game and Fish has committed $1.5 million in matching funds along with $750,000 toward project design. Game and Fish also received a $1 million America the Beautiful Challenge grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation that, along with $387,000 in matching funds, will be used for the fence retrofit along I-17 south from Munds Park. 

“As Arizona continues to grow, crossing structures such as wildlife overpasses and underpasses will have the dual benefit of reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions for public safety while also connecting fragmented habitats, allowing wildlife to access vital resources, preserving migratory routes, and maintaining genetic diversity,” said Arizona Game and Fish Department Director Ty Gray. “We’re grateful to the Federal Highway Administration and our sister state agency, the Arizona Department of Transportation, for this opportunity to help ensure a wildlife legacy for future generations.”

Other notable collaborations between ADOT, Arizona Game and Fish Department and partners including the U.S. Forest Service and Regional Transportation Authority in Pima County include: 

  • A reconstruction of 17 miles of US 93 in far northwestern Arizona featuring three wildlife overpasses and two bridged underpasses in desert bighorn sheep habitat, complemented by three underpasses on State Route 68 between Bullhead City and Golden Valley.
  • A system of crossing and fencing on SR 260 east of Payson designed to reduce crashes involving elk and deer. 
  • A 6-mile reconstruction of SR 77 (Oracle Road) north of Tucson that included an  overpass and underpass connecting wildlife habitats in the Santa Catalina and Tortolita mountains. 
  • Two wildlife underpasses and 6 miles of fencing added to SR 86 between Tucson and Sells.

Plan for full closures of SR 89A north of uptown Sedona Dec. 3-9

Plan for full closures of SR 89A north of uptown Sedona Dec. 3-9

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Plan for full closures of SR 89A north of uptown Sedona Dec. 3-9

Plan for full closures of SR 89A north of uptown Sedona Dec. 3-9

November 21, 2023

Access to and from Oak Creek Canyon restricted for rockfall mitigation

FLAGSTAFF – Work to safely remove rocks from an area above State Route 89A north of uptown Sedona will require full daytime highway closures and nighttime restrictions the week of Dec. 3-9, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Drivers should plan on using detour routes along Interstate 17 for travel between Sedona and Flagstaff while the following closures limit travel in Oak Creek Canyon:

  • Daytime Closures: SR 89A closed to all traffic between the Owenby Way roundabout (north of uptown Sedona) and the Midgley Bridge picnic area from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday to Saturday (Dec. 3-9) for rockfall mitigation. Detour: Traffic will detour on State Route 179 and I-17 while SR 89A is closed.
  • Overnight Restrictions: SR 89A will temporarily be opened every half hour between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday through Saturday (Dec. 3-9) to clear any traffic waiting at the Owenby Way roundabout (northbound) and Midgley Bridge (southbound) closure points. The temporary openings of SR 89A will then occur once per hour between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. each night until the rockfall mitigation work is completed. Detour: Drivers can consider detouring on SR 179 and I-17 during overnight hours.

State highway conditions are available via ADOT’s 511 Travel Information site, the AZ511 app or by calling 511. Highway information and answers are also available via ADOT’s X (formerly Twitter) feed (@ArizonaDOT) and the agency’s Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT).

 

I-17 Improvement Project taking shape one year into major construction

I-17 Improvement Project taking shape one year into major construction

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I-17 Improvement Project taking shape one year into major construction

I-17 Improvement Project taking shape one year into major construction

By Laura Douglas / ADOT Communications
September 28, 2023
Progress on the I-17 Improvement Project

Progress is happening and drivers are noticing. If you’ve recently driven along Interstate 17 north of the Phoenix metro area, you’ve seen the flurry of construction activity, along with the noticeable changes to this well-traveled highway, as the I-17 Improvement Project moves toward a safer and more efficient corridor for all drivers. 

This week marks one year since major construction work began to add new general purpose lanes and flex lanes along the 23 miles from Anthem Way to Sunset Point. In addition to the new lanes, 10 bridges will be widened and two others will be replaced. Once complete in 2025, this major design-build project will help alleviate congestion and improve safety and traffic flow.

When construction began one year ago, I-17 looked a lot different than it does today. Check out our photo gallery that shows the progress at several locations along the project corridor.  

The last 12 months have been largely dedicated to moving dirt and rock, through controlled rock blasting and earthwork, and this will continue into 2024. The rock blasting is necessary to make way for the 15 miles of widening from Anthem Way to Black Canyon City, along with the eight miles of flex lanes, which will be constructed next to the existing southbound lanes from Black Canyon City to Sunset Point. The flex lanes, or reversible lanes, are a new feature for Arizona’s highway system and are designed to reduce congestion on I-17 during peak travel times.

Paving work in the southern section between Anthem Way and Table Mesa Road is one area where the crushed material from blasting is already being used as aggregate base, which is the second layer in the paving process. The paving began this summer and will continue into 2024. The paving process takes more than a year to complete because it requires four different layers, along with the appropriate weather conditions. 

This major construction happens all while keeping I-17 open during the weekdays, weekends and holidays. Restrictions and infrequent lane closures only occur during weeknight overnight hours to minimize impacts to all drivers who rely on this corridor. However, the majority of the work still happens during the day as crews work in the median or on the sides of the highway to improve this critical corridor.

For more information about the I-17 Improvement Project, visit improvingi17.com.

ADOT conducting public survey about I-17 speed limit in Phoenix

ADOT conducting public survey about I-17 speed limit in Phoenix

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT conducting public survey about I-17 speed limit in Phoenix

ADOT conducting public survey about I-17 speed limit in Phoenix

September 15, 2023

Input sought in association with new law, independent speed study

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has launched a public survey to gather input about the speed limit along a stretch of Interstate 17 in Phoenix, in accordance with a new state law.

ADOT has commissioned an independent study to determine an appropriate speed limit for I-17 between the I-10 “Split” interchange near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Peoria Avenue. The speed limit for that part of I-17 is currently 55 mph. 

You can take part in the online survey from now through Saturday, Sept. 30, at https://tinyurl.com/I-17speedlimits; by email at [email protected]); and by phone at 1.855.712.8530. Comments also can be mailed to: I-17 Speed Limit Study, ADOT Community Relations, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

The speed study follows passage of legislation (SB 1102) that calls for a minimum speed limit of 65 mph on any interstate highway in counties with a population of 3 million or more people.

SB 1102 also stipulates that a lower speed limit can be set if certain conditions are met, including:

  • A lower limit is deemed necessary based on an independent engineering study or roadway assessment.
  • The overall system capacity and mobility along the freeway will not be reduced.
  • An opportunity for public input is provided.

The I-17 speed limit study is scheduled for completion in mid-October.