Fatal crash causes traffic snarls on I-17 in north Phoenix
Nov 23, 2016, 1:28 PM | Updated: 4:57 pm
(Arizona Department of Transportation Photo)
PHOENIX — A fatal crash closed several lanes of Interstate 17 in north Phoenix on Wednesday, slowing down drivers who hit the road for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Phoenix Fire Department Capt. Rob McDade said at least one person was killed and another was injured.
McDade said a truck pulling a trailer blew a tire, triggering the crash.
The Arizona Department of Transportation said the crash happened about 1 p.m. near Deer Valley Road. The agency expected traffic issues — particularly for those heading north — to linger for hours.
If you're heading out of town on I-17 northbound, this serious crash is likely to cause delays all afternoon. #PhxTraffic pic.twitter.com/WWyag8tFid
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) November 23, 2016
Traffic cameras showed two southbound lanes were blocked while at least three northbound lanes were shut down.
The southbound lanes were reopened about 3 p.m.
UPDATE: I-17 SB at Deer Valley is now open. #phxtraffic https://t.co/Zif2Mn1L8L
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) November 23, 2016
The northbound lanes were opened slightly before 5 p.m., though delays were expected to remain.
UPDATE: I-17 NB at Deer Valley is clear. Expect delays due to residual traffic. #phxtraffic https://t.co/5QcMKcbx0H
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) November 23, 2016
The ramps from the eastbound and westbound Loop 101 to the northbound I-17 were closed about 2 p.m.
The westbound ramp was reopened about 5 p.m., though the eastbound ramp remained closed.