Northbound I-17 lanes in Anthem reopened after brush fire

PHOENIX — After hours of delays in Anthem, the northbound lanes of Interstate 17 are open after being closed most of the afternoon.

The lanes were closed around 3 p.m. due to a brush fire at milepost 232, New River Road, the Arizona Department of Transportation said in a statement.

The leftbound lane was opened around 4:30 p.m.

Southbound lanes remained fully operational.

The brush fire has burned more than 200 acres, according to the Arizona State Forestry.

UPDATE – #StageFire 200 acres & moving quickly through desert veg. More than 150 firefighters & multiple air resources actively working to suppress fire NW of #NewRiver #MaricopaCounty #AZFire #AZForestry @BLMAZFire pic.twitter.com/7lJZwtuxQ4

— AZ State Forestry (@azstateforestry) May 2, 2020

There are more than 150 firefighters working to contain the fire along with multiple air resources.

Shortly before 1 p.m., ADOT warned of delays starting in Anthem as traffic was backed up about eight miles.

Around 3 p.m., ADOT said the backup on the northbound lanes extended as far south as Anthem Way.

Drivers were warned to find alternative routes or delay travel completely.

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