Drivers traveling on Interstate 17 between Flagstaff and Munds Park should expect delays on Monday, September 29, due to construction work on a wildlife overpass near Willard Springs Road. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced that crews will shift traffic from the southbound lanes to the northbound side of I-17. This change will require drivers to slow down, which may result in longer travel times.
According to ADOT, most of the changes in the work zone are expected to occur between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. During this period, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on the northbound side of I-17. This setup is necessary for crews to build the bridge deck for the wildlife overpass above the southbound lanes.
The $15.8 million project is a collaboration between ADOT and the Arizona Game and Fish Department and is funded by a federal grant. The goal is to improve habitat connections for wildlife and reduce vehicle-animal collisions, particularly with elk and deer. The overpass is scheduled for completion by fall 2026.
ADOT recommends that travelers check real-time highway conditions at its Arizona Traveler Information site at https://az511.gov or through the AZ511 app, available for both Apple and Android devices. Updates are also provided via ADOT’s X/Twitter feed @ArizonaDOT.
“ADOT anticipates the majority of the work zone changes will take place Monday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.”
“The traffic shift will have drivers sharing northbound I-17 using one lane in each direction. That will allow crews to form the bridge deck for the portion of the wildlife overpass above southbound I-17.”
“ADOT is partnering with the Arizona Game and Fish Department on the $15.8 million wildlife overpass. The project, funded through a federal grant, is an effort to improve wildlife habitat connections while reducing the risk of crashes involving animals, especially elk and deer.”
“The project is scheduled for completion by fall 2026.”
Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at https://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.
