SR347 Crash Casa Blanca12162020
The northbound lanes of State Route 347 are closed after an accident at Casa Blanca Road on Wednesday night. ADOT image

A construction worker was killed in a hit-and-run accident on Wednesday night on State Route 347.

The Gila River Police Department is investigating the incident that occurred about 9:20 p.m. in the northbound lanes near Casa Blanca Road, according to police.

The victim, who is not being identified by police at this time, was a Native American male who was struck and killed while working on a highway resealing project in a designated construction zone, police said.

“This is a tragic reminder of the importance of always being aware and watching for those working on our roadways,” said GRIC police Chief Timothy Chavez.

Police are seeking a vehicle described by witnesses as a small passenger car and the investigation remains under investigation.

Earlier Thursday, a spokesman for the state Department of Public Safety said there were multiple victims in the incident.

The accident closed the northbound lanes of State Route 347 for several hours.

Cholla Pavement Maintenance of Apache Junction is the contractor on the weeks-long project to reseal 15-plus miles of the highway between I-10 and Hathaway Avenue in Maricopa. The work is being done between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday.

During the work, lane restrictions – both northbound and southbound – are in place, with traffic restricted to one lane. Work is limited to three-mile segments in one direction of travel during each overnight restriction.

ADOT had advised drivers to slow down and use caution around construction personnel and equipment while work is underway.

GRIC traffic investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Gila River Police Department at 520-562-4511.