NW Valley Times

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced a closure of the southbound I-17 between Loop 303 and Happy Valley Road for pavement improvement work. The closure will begin at 10 p.m. on Friday, May 31, and is scheduled to end at 5 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2024.

Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time and follow the designated detour route: Exit Loop 303 west to Lake Pleasant Parkway south and then east on Happy Valley Road back to I-17. ADOT strongly advises against using other local streets as alternate routes due to the potential for longer delays and inconvenience. "The posted detour is the most efficient way to move traffic through the area near the closure," stated ADOT.

An alternative route via Loop 303 to Interstate 10 in the West Valley is recommended, particularly for drivers of large trucks or those traveling towards California, Tucson, or parts of the Valley accessible through downtown Phoenix.

Drivers with plans to use southbound I-17 through the north Valley this weekend may want to avoid delays by traveling before Friday night’s closure begins. Traffic tends to be lighter during early morning hours or late at night but becomes heavy from midday Sunday into early evening.

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

ADOT is also working with navigation app providers to reduce the chances that drivers will be directed onto local roads. "Staying on the detour route regardless of what a navigation app may suggest is the best way to reduce delays for yourself and others," emphasized ADOT.

This project aims to improve the ride quality on I-17 by removing a top layer of older asphalt pavement and smoothing the remaining concrete surface through diamond grinding. This weekend marks the third of four expected weekends dedicated to this project. According to ADOT, while some freeway improvement work can occur without closing all lanes, these full closures allow crews to safely remove surface asphalt and clear dust and debris before reopening.

For more information about this project, visit: https://azdot.gov/projects/central-district-projects/i-17-happy-valley-road-sr-74-pavement-project