On the road for the holidays?

Drivers taking to the road either before or at the end of the Christmas and New Year’s weekends are encouraged to allow for additional travel time and use extra caution near existing work zones for improvement projects along state highways.

While the Arizona Department of Transportation has scaled back construction-related closures between Thanksgiving and New Year’s weekends, some necessary work zone lane restrictions can slow traffic during peak travel times even when construction is not active.

One such work zone is along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and California, where the highway is narrowed to one lane in both directions for a bridge improvement project west of Buckeye.

Here are locations to watch for if you have highway travel plans approaching the Christmas and New Year’s weekends:

• Interstate 10 at the Hassayampa River, 40 miles west of downtown Phoenix: I-10 narrowed to single lanes in each direction on one bridge while the adjacent bridge deck is replaced. In addition to allowing extra travel time, drivers should consider traveling earlier in the morning to avoid peak traffic conditions. Expect delays of up to 90 minutes during busiest holiday travel times. Historic US 60 through Wickenburg also serves as an alternate route. ADOT will use I-10 message signs in Phoenix and near the California border to advise drivers of traffic conditions. This I-10 work zone is scheduled to be in place until summer 2011. Information on route options is available at http://www.azdot.gov/hassy.  

• State Route 87 between Phoenix and Payson: SR 87 narrowed to one lane in each direction for approximately six miles (mileposts 208-214) starting two miles north of the Saguaro Lake turnoff until spring 2011. That’s when crews will open a new southbound passing lane and complete other safety-based work, including shoulder improvements.

• Interstate 10 southeast of Casa Grande: I-10 narrowed to one lane in each direction overnight between I-8 and State Route 87 Sunday through Thursday nights (8 p.m. – 6 a.m.) for new lane construction. No restrictions are scheduled between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2.

• Interstate 10 near Benson: I-10 at State Route 90 narrowed to one lane in each direction at night, Dec. 21-22 and Dec. 27-29 (8 p.m. – 5 a.m.) for new interchange construction. Please allow extra travel time overnight.

• US 93 north of Wickenburg: US 93 is significantly improved for travel between Phoenix and Las Vegas following the opening of the Hoover Dam Bridge and completion of a widening project south of the dam. Drivers might consider allowing extra travel time in case of heavier traffic during peak periods, including the end of New Year’s weekend.

Drivers also are urged to be prepared for changing weather conditions while traveling. Winter weather driving tips for Arizona’s high country or other parts of the nation, and other information are available at www.azdot.gov/KnowSnow.  

ADOT offers several services for travelers to stay up to date on highway conditions across the state, especially prior to starting a trip.

• Sign up for email alerts via ADOT’s web page at www.azdot.gov.
• Highway condition updates are provided via Twitter at www.Twitter/ArizonaDOT.
• ADOT’s Travel Information site also tracks highway conditions at www.az511.gov and over the phone at 5-1-1. Out of state callers can dial 1-888-411-ROAD (7623).
• Complete details on 2010 holiday travel restrictions are available at http://www.azdot.gov/HolidayTravel. 

Travel information is available for other states from:

• California Department of Transportation information is available at http://caltrans511.dot.ca.gov/.
• New Mexico Department of Transportation information is available at http://nmroads.com/.
• Nevada Department of Transportation information is available at http://www.safetravelusa.com/nv/.
• Links for travel information websites and phone lines for other states across the nation can be found from the Federal Highway Administration: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/trafficinfo/511.htm.

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