No state highways closed over Thanksgiving weekend

Although 2008 has been a busy year for highway construction and maintenance projects in Arizona, drivers will not encounter any work-related closures over the Thanksgiving weekend. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) says in order to ease holiday travel, crews will not close state highways or Phoenix area freeways for construction.

ADOT and law enforcement agencies are asking drivers to use caution while out on the road during the long Thanksgiving weekend. Recommendations include getting a good night’s rest before heading out on a trip, being patient and taking time to check your tire pressure. People attending holiday gatherings are urged to drink responsibly and make arrangements for designated drivers before celebrating.

Sixteen people were killed in crashes during last year’s Thanksgiving weekend in Arizona. Authorities say at least half of the 14 fatal crashes involved drinking and driving.

Although no closures are planned, ADOT is advising holiday travelers to give themselves extra travel time, especially on the traditionally busy Wednesday and Sunday afternoons and evenings before and after Thanksgiving. While no closures are scheduled, existing work zones are in place at the following locations:

· Interstate 17 in North Phoenix will be open with two lanes in each direction between Loop 101 and Carefree Highway (State Route 74), with existing shoulder restrictions. Crews are adding two new lanes in each direction along this stretch of the interstate.

· Interstate 10 west of Phoenix will be open with two lanes in each direction between Dysart Road and Sarival Avenue, where crews are adding lanes and making interchange improvements.

· Interstate 10 through Tucson will be open with two lanes in each direction between Prince Road and Interstate 19. Local traffic will continue to access major cross streets via the freeway’s frontage roads.

· The Sunset Point Rest Area along Interstate 17 north of Black Canyon City is closed for a reconstruction project. Travelers are advised to use other facilities in north Phoenix, Black Canyon City, Cordes Junction and Camp Verde.

· State Route 77 between Winkelman and Globe will be open November 27-30. The highway is currently closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for a widening project.

For updated information about highway conditions across Arizona visit ADOT’s travel information site at www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

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