ADOT Interstate 17 Update
Prescott AZ (November 30, 2012) – Arizona Interstate 17 highway will be closed in both directions intermittently up to 15 minutes at a time between 7:00 AM and Noon, Sunday, December 2, 2012, as Arizona Public Service (APS) performs utility work at milepost 266, approximately four miles north of Cordes Junction, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
The highway closures will provide a safe work zone as APS crews place overhead utility lines across the roadway.
ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.
Law enforcement personnel will be present to enforce the closures as they occur.
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Bridge work overnight on Interstate 17 at Cordes Junction next week – Detours expected on I-17 Sunday through Thursday nights (Sunday, December 2 through December 6) Update:
The following late night closures and restrictions will be in place (weather permitting) on Interstate 17 at Cordes Junction next week as crews work on new bridges, install new sign foundations and remove temporary bridge structures on I-17, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation:
Sunday, Dec. 2:
▪ Drivers on northbound I-17 will be shifted through a detour to Stagecoach Road and then to the new Arcosanti traffic interchange to continue northbound on I-17 between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
▪ Drivers on southbound I-17 will be shifted through a detour over the Arcosanti bridge to the State Route 69 on-ramp back onto southbound I-17 between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Monday, Dec. 3 and Tuesday, Dec. 4:
▪ Drivers on northbound I-17 will be shifted through a detour to Stagecoach Road and then to the new Arcosanti traffic interchange to continue northbound on I-17 between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.
▪ Drivers on southbound I-17 will be shifted through a detour over the Arcosanti bridge to the SR 69 on-ramp back onto southbound I-17 between 7:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 4:
▪ Drivers on southbound I-17 will be restricted to one lane from 5 p.m. to 6 a.m.
▪ Drivers on eastbound SR 69 toward Phoenix, will be redirected through a detour to gain access onto southbound I-17 through the new Arcosanti traffic interchange on-ramp between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 5:
▪ Drivers on southbound I-17 will be shifted through a detour over the Arcosanti bridge to the SR 69 on-ramp back onto southbound I-17 between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 6:
▪ Drivers on northbound I-17 will be shifted through a detour to Stagecoach Road and then to the new Arcosanti traffic interchange to continue northbound on I-17 between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The work is part of a $50 million project to modernize the I-17/SR 69 interchange.
The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.
ADOT urges drivers to slow down, move over in highway work zones – South Carolina worker death serves as critical reminder for drivers.
PHOENIX — Following the tragic death of a highway maintenance worker in South Carolina earlier this week, the Arizona Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to move over and slow down in highway work zones.
“We are asking drivers to be mindful and give their undivided attention when entering a highway work zone,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “Work zones can be hazardous not only to the driver and their passengers, but also the ADOT staff members who perform critical work on our highway system and put their lives on the line every day. I urge the public to heed the ‘work ahead’ warning signs and move over when they encounter a vehicle pulled over to side of a highway.”
In an effort to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities to law enforcement officers and emergency responders, Arizona passed the Move Over Law in 2005, which requires drivers to either move one lane over or slow down when they encounter a vehicle pulled over to the side of a highways with lights flashing. In 2011, it was amended to include all vehicles pulled over with flashing lights, such as tow trucks, ADOT maintenance vehicles, members of the public and others.
“Arizona’s Move Over Law was enacted to protect and save lives,” Halikowski said. “When you spot an emergency or maintenance vehicle parked on the shoulder with their flashing lights on, drivers need to move over to create more space. If that’s not possible, then you need to slow down and use extra caution. Every driver needs to comply with the Move Over Law. We all must do everything we can to keep our highways safe.”
Highway construction and maintenance work is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. Sixty ADOT workers have been killed since World War II, the most recent in 2006. A memorial at the Sunset Point Rest Area on Interstate 17 recognizes those who have given their lives in service to the drivers of Arizona.
Here are some tips for drivers:
Move over and slow down when you see flashing lights – it’s the law!
Expect the unexpected. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be restricted, and people may be working on or near the road.
Slow down! Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone accidents.
Keep a safe distance. The most common type of accident in a work zone is a rear end collision. Maintain two car lengths between you and the car in front of you as well as road crews and their equipment.
Pay attention. The warning signs are there to help you move safely through the work zone. Observe the posted signs.
Obey road crew flaggers. The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign. You can be cited for disobeying his or her directions.
Stay alert and minimize distractions. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving in a work zone.
Keep up with traffic flow. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Do not drive right up to the lane closure and then try to barge in.
Check road conditions. Schedule enough time to drive safely and check for traffic information by calling 5-1-1 or by logging on to http://www.az511.gov.
Be patient and stay calm. Remember, the road crews are working to improve the road and your commute.
Interstate 17 Southbound Closed Due to Crash – Southbound Interstate 17, about 40 miles south of Flagstaff, is closed due to a crash involving a tractor-trailer, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Traffic is stopped at State Route 179. Drivers should expect extended delays and plan to use alternate routes. There is no estimated time when the road will reopen.
For the latest highway conditions across Arizona, visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at http://www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.
Time is running out: add your voice now to ADOT’s passenger rail study – You only have one more week to add your voice to the Passenger Rail Corridor Study. We have received over 3,000 comments so far and we want to hear from you before December 15th. Click here to read more about the study. Send us your comments using our online survey today!