A 2011 accident scene involving an overturned snowplow that injured its driver
Sedona AZ (January 15, 2016) – Recent snowstorms combined with the long holiday weekend means winter recreation areas along US 180 near Flagstaff are expected to see heavy traffic, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Motorists using US 180 during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend should expect a long queue into Flagstaff after popular snow-play areas close between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Planning an earlier start back home may help motorists avoid the heaviest traffic.
To avoid congestion through Flagstaff, consider taking an alternate snow-play route through the city via the Butler Avenue Arizona I-40 exit. Signs will direct travelers to and from US 180.
In addition to allowing for extra travel time, visitors should prepare as they would for any extended period in a snowy, icy or cold area starting with a fully charged cell phone, cell phone car charger, plenty of gas, bottled water, flashlight, winter coats and hats, gloves and boots, warm blankets or sleeping bags, and nonperishable food items. If traveling with young children, crayons and coloring books, extra diapers and disposable wipes, formula and baby food, books and writing paper, homework assignments, deck of cards, magnetic board games, and extra batteries for handheld games are all helpful.
Harley McGuire Sedona Eye Star Pet Columnist loves the snow in his own backyard and asks pet parents to keep his Four Paws Up Pals on leashes while traveling so they don’t get lost. There’s no place like a warm home!
Don’t forget medications. Take along a trash bag to dispose of all garbage.
If traveling with pets, keep your animal harnessed and leashed and carry extra pet food and water. Take along trash bags to scoop poop!
Don’t pull over on highways or interstates to play in the snow. It’s dangerous for you, other drivers, and first responders.
Give snowplows plenty of room, starting with maintaining FOUR CAR LENGTHS behind a plow. NEVER pass a snowplow that’s clearing a road.
For more information on preparing for travel in snow country, please visit azdot.gov/knowsnow.
ADOT Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) account is an excellent sources of information on traffic conditions, as is the ADOT Traveler Information Center available at az511.gov or by calling 511. Follow the SedonaEye.com for updates.
Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and interactive views!
Roads fine up here some ice places
Harley McGuire, how the heck are ya doin’? Silly question – from the looks of you in that picture you’re lovin’ life. Way to go! ARF!
Weekend Freeway Travel Advisory – Friday Through Monday (Jan. 22-25)
I-10 restricted near Dysart Road for sign-structure construction
PHOENIX — Freeway-improvement projects will require restrictions in the Phoenix area this weekend (Jan. 22-25). The Arizona Department of Transportation recommends drivers plan ahead, consider alternate routes or adjust travel schedules and use caution in work zones while the following restrictions are in place:
Interstate 10 narrowed to three lanes in both directions near Dysart Road from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 23) for sign-structure construction. I-10 also narrowed to four lanes in both directions (HOV lanes closed) near Dysart Road from 5 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 24) for sign-structure construction. Detour: Please allow extra travel time and be prepared to slow down and merge safely in work zone.
Weekend Freeway Travel Advisory Map
Northbound State Route 51 ramp to westbound Loop 101 in northeast Phoenix closed overnight from 10 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 23) for bridge work. Detour: Drivers can exit and use westbound Union Hills Drive to northbound Cave Creek Road to connect with westbound Loop 101.
Southbound State Route 51 on-ramp at Thomas Road closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 23) for utility-related work at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Detour: Please use alternate routes, including the southbound SR 51 on-ramp at Indian School Road.
Northbound Interstate 17 off-ramp at 19th Avenue closed from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 23) for pavement repairs. Detour: Please use alternate routes, including the northbound I-17 off-ramps at Seventh Avenue or Buckeye Road.
Southbound Interstate 17 closed temporarily (for up to 30 min. each time) at Dixileta Drive in north Phoenix and eastbound Loop 303 also closed temporarily two miles west of I-17 from 12:01 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 23) for overhead sign-structure work. Detour: Please allow extra travel time and use caution due to slowing or stopped traffic.
Northbound Interstate 17 closed temporarily (for up to 30 min. each time) near Deer Valley Road or Jomax Road from 12:01 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 24) for overhead sign-structure work. Detour: Please allow extra travel time and use caution due to slowing or stopped traffic.
Broadway Road narrowed to one lane in each direction at Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) in Mesa from 9 p.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 24) for pavement repairs. Loop 202 on- and off-ramps at Broadway Road will remain open with lane restrictions in place. Detour: Please consider alternate east-west routes, including Apache Trail or Southern Avenue.
Additional freeway-restriction information will be listed on ADOT’s website, azdot.gov, under ADOT News. Visit the site to also subscribe to ADOT email updates, including weekend restriction information.
For a complete list of highway and freeway restrictions around the state, visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at az511.gov or call 511. Sign up for ADOT email updates, including weekend freeway restrictions, at azdot.gov. Another great way to find out more about ADOT’s projects and programs to improve Arizona’s transportation system is the ADOT Blog at azdot.gov/blog.
ADOT plans and constructs new freeways, additional lanes and other improvements as part of the 20-year Regional Transportation Plan for the Maricopa County region. The primary funding source for regional freeway improvements is a half-cent sales tax approved by county voters in 2004. More information about ADOT projects and the regional plan is available at azdot.gov/PhoenixMetro.