Road work on I-17 takes Phoenix drivers by surprise, creates traffic jam

PHOENIX — Morning commuters got stuck in a backup on a Valley freeway Tuesday that outraged some and exasperated others when a major downtown exit ramp was closed.

I-17 North: 7th Street exit is closed for work and 7th Avenue exit is seeing long delays. If you can use another exit, that will save time.

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) July 7, 2015

Traffic was jammed all the way back to Interstate 10 West at 32nd Street.

The transportation department posted a notice Monday on Facebook that repair work would begin that evening.

The department tweeted out a reminder near the start of the morning rush hour:

I-17 North, the 7th Street exit will remain closed until July 17 because of scheduled work. Details: http://t.co/OnUosBmFTo

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) July 7, 2015

The ramp will remain closed until July 17.