While inconveniencing Valley drivers, film crews benefit Arizona’s economy
Mar 16, 2019, 5:00 AM | Updated: Mar 18, 2019, 6:59 am
(Pixabay Photo)
(Pixabay Photo)
PHOENIX – If you’re forced to take a detour while traveling on Valley freeways this weekend, know that it could be contributing to Arizona’s economy.
Parts of Loop 303 and Interstate will be closed in the coming days for the filming of a Nissan commercial.
The Arizona Department of Transportation said it weighs economic benefits against the inconvenience factor when determining whether to stop traffic for filming.
“With a goal of supporting an industry that’s extremely valuable to Arizona’s economy, we regularly issue permits at no cost to film within highway right of way,” Dallas Hammit, ADOT state engineer and deputy director for transportation, said in a press release.
“Our requirements safeguard taxpayer dollars and the taxpayers’ investment in state highways. This includes making sure there is no cost to the state.”
This weekend’s filming will require rolling closures in both directions of I-10 between 16th Street and 19th Avenue near downtown Phoenix on Saturday between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m., and the ramps from southbound State Route 51 to eastbound Loop 202 and eastbound I-10 to northbound 51 will also be closed intermittently.
On Sunday and Monday, Loop 303 between Van Buren Street and McDowell Road in Goodyear will be closed from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. for film crews. That includes the eastbound and westbound I-10 ramps to southbound Loop 303.
ADOT said the film industry contributes millions of dollars a year to the Arizona economy through spending on food, lodging, fuel and more.
Additionally, production companies must be insured for roadway damage they might cause and compensate the Arizona Department of Public Safety for costs related to closures.
“Arizona’s natural beauty and diverse topography, coupled with ADOT’s spirit of cooperation regarding film and commercial production, make our state the ideal location for filming car commercials,” Matthew Earl Jones, director of the Arizona Film & Digital Media Program, said in the release.
ADOT provides real-time highway conditions online, on Twitter or over the phone at 511.
Drivers can also get alerts and alternate route notifications via ADOT’s mobile app.
Get the latest KTAR News 92.3 FM traffic alerts sent straight to your phone by texting “TRAFFIC” to 411923.
