No highway closures over holiday weekends

Getting over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house will be a bit easier this holiday season, as the Arizona Department of Transportation plans no full closures of the state’s highways during the Christmas and New Year’s weekends.

Drivers should be prepared to slow down and merge safely in pre-existing work zones. ADOT also warns that drivers should expect heavier traffic at times due to holiday events and people taking road trips.

The agency advises drivers to be prepared and expect the unexpected while focusing on safe driving. ADOT further recommends allowing extra travel time in case of unscheduled restrictions due to disabled vehicles, crashes and possible inclement weather.

Packing an emergency kit for longer trips can come in handy in case of an unscheduled stop in traffic or need to pull over because of car trouble.

ADOT recommends packing these items:

• Extra bottled water
• Snack foods
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Blankets
• Warm clothing
• First-aid kit

Travelers should remember prescription medications and a cellphone charger in case of unexpected travel delays. Staying up to date on potential changing weather conditions also is important.

Getting adequate rest, buckling up, obeying speed limits and never driving while impaired are behaviors that promote highway safety. Drivers also should check their vehicle before traveling, including tire pressure, engine belts and hoses, fluid levels and condition of windshield wipers.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT.