Grand Canyon Times

A section of southbound Interstate 17 between State Route 74 and Loop 303 in north Phoenix will be closed from February 28 to March 3. This closure is part of the Arizona Department of Transportation's (ADOT) final scheduled weekend closure for its I-17 pavement improvement project.

The closure will take place from 10 p.m. on Friday, February 28, until 5 a.m. on Monday, March 3. During this period, southbound I-17 on-ramps at SR 74 and Dove Valley Road will also be closed. ADOT advises drivers to use the detour route on westbound SR 74 and avoid streets east of I-17 that are not designed for freeway traffic.

Drivers should expect delays and consider adjusting their travel schedules accordingly. The recommended detour involves taking State Route 74 west to Lake Pleasant Parkway south, then using eastbound Loop 303 to return to I-17. "Using the primary detour will limit delays for you and others, even if a navigation app suggests another route," according to ADOT.

The ongoing project has involved removing the old asphalt pavement layer and treating the concrete beneath with diamond grinding. This work aims to provide a safer, smoother surface along six miles of I-17 north of Happy Valley Road. Additionally, recent efforts have focused on replacing steel bridge deck joints across the freeway's width.

Real-time updates on highway conditions can be accessed through ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, via the AZ511 app available for Apple or Android devices, or by calling 511.