ADOT: Highway construction closures will be limited through holidays

PHOENIX — Holiday travelers, rejoice!

Highway closures for construction and maintenance will be limited through the end of the year, according to an Arizona Department of Transportation news release.

ADOT did not schedule any new closures for the extended Thanksgiving weekend, and any existing closures won’t resume until Monday.

The agency asked that drivers pay extra attention to safety in existing work zones, as well as three high-traffic areas for the holidays: Interstate 17 between Phoenix and Tucson, Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson and State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson.

ADOT said it will place equipment like utility trucks along these routes in an effort to respond to crashes and stalled vehicles quickly to reduce delays.

According to the agency, 17 people died in fatal traffic collisions last Thanksgiving weekend. The deaths resulted from 16 crashes, five of which impairment was said to be a factor.

ADOT offered some tips to holiday travelers hitting the road — pack snacks and water as well as jackets and blankets if traveling north, avoid the busiest travel times, get proper sleep before driving and check vehicles for tire pressure and fluid levels.

Words to live by on #Thanksgiving. pic.twitter.com/DaSeVdYZwS

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) November 22, 2018

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