Overnight work for blasting rock cuts along Interstate 17, approximately seven miles south of Camp Verde, will now occur between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. with only one closure as opposed to previously scheduled blasting which would require two one-hour closures, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

I-17 will be closed in both directions for one hour on Wednesday night, June 26 and next Monday, July 1.

Traffic on northbound I-17 will be stopped at State Route 169 and southbound I-17 traffic will be stopped at General Crook Trail until the area is reopened.

Motorists traveling along I-17 along mileposts 280-282 need to plan ahead and allow extra travel time to reach their destinations.

In addition to the full closures, drivers can expect single-lane restrictions in both directions through the work zone between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday night through Friday morning. During construction, bicyclists are not permitted through the project work zone as the shoulders along I-17 are closed.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Crews are nearly complete with the improvements on the $50 million traffic interchange reconstruction project at Cordes Junction, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Final paving and sign installation work will require restrictions next week and drivers should be aware of the following:

Sunday, June 23:
The on-ramp onto southbound Interstate 17 from southbound State Route 69 will be closed between 10 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday, June 24
Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 25:
I-17 will be narrowed to one lane in both directions, between 6 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday

Wednesday, June 26:
Stagecoach Trail, Hitching Post Way, Copper Star and Cordes Lakes roads will be limited to one lane overnight between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. as crews perform pavement maintenance to preserve the new pavement

Crews will also be installing permanent signs on the shoulder within the project area and the shoulders will be closed as work is performed on Stagecoach Trail, Hitching Post Way, and Copper Star and Cordes Lakes roads between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.

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 works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule.