Grand Canyon Times

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced overnight closures on southbound Interstate 17 at Bumble Bee Road from February 10 to February 12. These closures are part of the I-17 Improvement Project, which involves taking down the old Bumble Bee bridge over southbound I-17.

Drivers should expect delays as traffic will be reduced to one lane near Sunset Point and continue in one lane approaching the full closure at Bumble Bee Road. A detour route is in place, allowing drivers to exit and re-enter the highway at Bumble Bee Road. The closures will occur from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on February 10 and 11, and from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on February 12, with work concluding by the morning of February 13.

Motorists are advised to slow down, merge safely, and follow the detour route along Bumble Bee Road around the bridge work. Traffic will reconnect with southbound I-17 approximately three-quarters of a mile from the exit.

For safety reasons, the speed limit along the detour is set at 25 mph. Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers will patrol the area during these closures as part of a partnership between ADOT and DPS aimed at increasing safety and reducing crashes.

In addition to these overnight closures, the northbound I-17 off-ramp at Bumble Bee Road will be closed from February 10 through March 21. Furthermore, Bumble Bee Road itself will be completely closed in both directions during this period for ongoing work.

The bridge reconstruction is part of preparations for new flex lanes being added under the I-17 Improvement Project. A new wider bridge has already been constructed north of the old one slated for removal.

Construction schedules may change due to weather conditions. The entire stretch between Anthem Way and Sunset Point remains under construction through 2025 as new lanes are built and bridges are widened or replaced.

Once completed, this project aims to alleviate congestion and improve safety along this crucial corridor for travel, tourism, and economic development in Arizona.

ADOT reminds drivers that a speed limit reduction to 65 mph is in effect throughout the construction zone as a safety measure against crashes caused by excessive speed or hazardous driving behaviors.

For more information about this project or weekly traffic alerts, visit improvingi17.com or check az511.com for updates on highway conditions.