ADOT offers tips for managing holiday traffic

There is good news on Arizona’s highways this weekend – the Arizona Department of Transportation has not scheduled any full highway closures for construction during the long Labor Day weekend.

The agency is cautioning drivers to prepare for hot weather and busy highways at times, as temperatures are forecast as high as 110 degrees around the state. ADOT recommends drivers check their vehicles for maintenance issues and pack extra items as a safety precaution.

ADOT and its contractors are holding off any full highway closures from Friday afternoon until early Tuesday morning. Drivers should still allow extra travel time and be prepared for lane restrictions in some existing work zones.

The busiest times for state highway travel over the holiday weekend are expected to be Friday from early afternoon into the early evening hours for “getaway travel” and Monday afternoon when many travelers will be returning home. Interstate 17 and State Route 87 are among the busiest highways over Labor Day weekend.

The department cautions drivers to be ready for unscheduled highway closures due to disabled vehicles, crashes or other incidents, such as wildfires, and to plan for hot and potentially stormy weather in areas.

ADOT recommends bringing along essential items in case of a stop in traffic such as food, water and a fully charged cell phone and charger, as well as blankets, a first-aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, snacks, diapers if necessary, and a small tool kit.

And although there will be no construction-related freeway closures there are still existing work zones that could impede traffic. That includes southbound I-17 along a 30-mile stretch south of Flagstaff where the freeway narrows to one lane in several areas for an ongoing pavement improvement project.

Drivers should expect delays in that area, especially during peak travel times including Monday afternoon when the holiday weekend is ending. The southbound I-17 on-ramp at Munds Park is currently closed as part of that project, with a detour in place.

Another existing work zone is on SR 89A in Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona, where traffic is alternating one direction at a time in the “switchbacks” area due to an ongoing highway improvement project. Drivers can expect delays in the area.

Finally, since travel delays over the weekend are possible even without closures, ADOT recommends travelers pack important items such as prescription medicines, a hat, sunglasses and umbrella.

Because summer monsoon conditions can still pop up, the agency recommends preparing for changing weather conditions, including blowing dust. ADOT’s holiday weekend safe driving recommendations include:

• Never drive while impaired. Buckle up and obey speed limits;
• Arrange for a designated driver or ride service if necessary;
• Check your vehicle, including tire pressure;
• Get some rest before traveling. Fatigue is a serious safety risk.
• Avoid distractions. Don’t text while driving;
• Don’t park in areas with grasses and brush. Hot vehicle components could start a fire.