Yavapai News

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has issued a travel alert regarding the closure of northbound Interstate 17 this weekend. The section between Happy Valley Road and Loop 303 in north Phoenix will be closed from 10 p.m. on Friday, June 7, to 5 a.m. on Monday, June 10, for pavement improvement work.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time for travel and consider using non-peak hours or nighttime hours to avoid delays. Northbound I-17 on-ramps at Deer Valley and Pinnacle Peak roads will also be closed during this period.

The designated detour route directs drivers westbound on Happy Valley Road to northbound Lake Pleasant Parkway and then eastbound on Loop 303 back to I-17. ADOT emphasizes that the detour route is the most efficient way through the area and will be monitored by off-duty officers and project staff.

"Northbound I-17 drivers should avoid attempting to use other local streets as alternate routes," ADOT stated. "This is a recipe for longer delays and inconvenience for all."

Motorists, particularly those driving large trucks, can consider using Interstate 10 in the West Valley to northbound Loop 303 as an alternate detour route. ADOT anticipates lengthy traffic backups during these closures and advises planning ahead. Travelers with weekend plans involving northbound I-17 should consider traveling before the closure begins or during early morning or late-night hours when traffic is lighter.

Local-only closures will be placed at neighborhood entrances along both sides of I-17 to direct detour traffic away from local roadways. Law enforcement officers will assist with traffic flow at intersections throughout the area.

ADOT is also working to reduce the likelihood that navigation apps will suggest alternative local roads instead of the designated detour route.

The current project involves improving six miles of I-17 between Happy Valley Road and State Route 74 by removing old asphalt pavement and performing diamond grinding on the remaining concrete surface for a smoother ride. This closure marks the last of four initial weekend closures aimed at safely removing surface asphalt and clearing debris before reopening the freeway.

Further closures or lane restrictions may be necessary as work continues. Drivers are encouraged to sign up for project traffic alerts at azdot.gov/projects under Central District projects.

Real-time highway conditions can be accessed via ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, through the az511 app, or by calling 511.