The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced that there will be no full closures on state highways during the upcoming Labor Day weekend. While some highway improvement work will continue, ADOT and its contractors will not schedule any weekend closures from Friday afternoon, August 29, through late Monday night, September 1.
ADOT is working with partner agencies such as the Arizona Department of Public Safety and other emergency responders to encourage drivers to prioritize safety during holiday travel. “Drivers should allow extra time during peak travel periods, including Friday and Monday afternoons. Expect the unexpected, including unscheduled highway closures due to crashes, disabled vehicles, wildfires or other incidents,” according to ADOT.
Heavy traffic and potential delays are expected on highways in and out of Phoenix and Tucson during peak travel times. This includes Interstate 17 north of Phoenix, where new flex lanes between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point will be open for northbound traffic on Friday and Saturday (August 29-30) and for southbound traffic on Sunday and Monday (August 31-September 1).
Other routes anticipated to experience increased traffic include State Route 87 between Fountain Hills and Payson; US 93 between Wickenburg and Hoover Dam; I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix; as well as I-8 and I-10 near the California border.
ADOT advises travelers to prepare an emergency kit with items such as extra water, blankets, a first-aid kit, flashlight with batteries, a fully charged cellphone with charger, snacks, diapers if needed, prescription medicines, a hat or umbrella for sun or rain protection, sunglasses, a small tool kit, and more. For additional guidance about traveling in hot weather conditions or road trip preparation tips visit the ADOT website.
Travelers are also urged to avoid distractions while driving—specifically texting—and to check their vehicles’ tire pressure and engine fluids before departing. Other safety recommendations include getting adequate rest before traveling to prevent fatigue-related accidents; never driving impaired; wearing seat belts; obeying speed limits; arranging for designated drivers if necessary; securing trailer chains properly to avoid fire hazards; and avoiding parking in grassy areas where hot vehicle parts could ignite brush fires.
ADOT personnel will be available throughout the holiday weekend to respond to incidents along state highways. The Incident Response Unit (IRU), sponsored by GEICO, patrols Phoenix-area freeways in Maricopa County from early morning until midnight on weekdays and until mid-afternoon on weekends. The IRU assists both state troopers and motorists who need help. More information about this unit is available on the ADOT website.
For real-time updates on highway conditions across Arizona—including closure information—travelers can consult the Arizona Traveler Information site at AZ511.gov (https://az511.gov/), use the az511 app for Apple or Android devices (https://azdot.gov/about/media-center/news/adot-launches-new-travel-information-apps), call 511 by phone or follow @ArizonaDOT on X (formerly Twitter) for updates.
“Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including blowing dust,” ADOT reminds travelers. “Other road trip safety recommendations include: Avoid distractions. Don’t text while driving. Eyes up, phones down. Check your vehicle… Get some rest before traveling… Never drive while impaired… Buckle up… Arrange for a designated driver… If towing a trailer… Avoid stopping in areas with grasses.”
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