Grand Canyon Times

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced a weekend closure of northbound Interstate 17 in north Phoenix, scheduled from February 7 to February 10. The closure is part of ongoing pavement improvement work near Loop 303.

According to ADOT, the northbound I-17 will be closed between Loop 303 and SR 74/Carefree Highway starting at 10 p.m. on Friday, February 7, until 5 a.m. on Monday, February 10. During this period, eastbound Loop 303 traffic at I-17 will be restricted to a right turn onto southbound I-17 without any traffic crossing under I-17.

Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and use designated detours. Northbound I-17 traffic exiting at Loop 303 should take the northbound frontage road to SR 74 to rejoin I-17. "Note: To limit delays for you and others use the frontage road detour, even if a navigation app suggests another route," states ADOT's announcement. Additionally, local streets east of I-17 are not designed for freeway traffic and should be avoided.

Access to the city of Phoenix's Waste Transfer Station will remain open via Dixileta Drive with additional travel time expected.

Traffic on eastbound Loop 303 and westbound Sonoran Desert Drive will also face restrictions this weekend as they won't be able to pass under I-17 while the northbound lanes are closed. Detours include traveling north on 43rd Avenue to eastbound Dove Valley Road for those needing access from eastbound Loop 303.

The project aims to enhance pavement quality along I-17 between Happy Valley Road and State Route 74 by removing old asphalt layers and treating the concrete beneath with diamond grinding. Three more weekend closures are planned:

1. Southbound I-17 between Loop 303 and Happy Valley Road from February 14 at night through February 17 in the morning.

2. Northbound I-17 between Happy Valley Road and Loop 303 from February 21 at night through February 24 in the morning.

3. Southbound I-17 between SR 74/Carefree Highway and Loop 303 from February 28 at night through March third in the morning.

These schedules might change due to weather or other factors. Since May last year, improvements have provided a safer driving surface along six miles of this highway section.

For real-time updates on highway conditions, travelers can visit ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov or use their AZ511 app available for both Apple and Android devices or call directly at "511."