I-17 overnight closures next week to remove old Bumble Bee bridge

PHOENIX — The southbound Interstate 17 will be closed at Bumble Beed Road overnight from Monday to Wednesday due to scheduled reconstruction of the Bumble Bee bridge, a part of an ongoing highway improvement project.

Beginning at milepost 252 near Sunset Point, the southbound lanes of I-17 will be reduced to one over a four-mile stretch until reaching the old bridge removal site at Bumble Bee Road (milepost 248).

Overnight closures will last 7 p.m.-7 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday, as well as 9 p.m.-5 a.m. on Wednesday night into Thursday morning, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

A detour route on Bumble Bee Road will guide traffic back to the southbound I-17 about three-quarters of a mile from the normal Bumble Bee exit.

Drivers in the construction area or utilizing the detour route must adhere to a strict 25 mph speed limit.

The Bumble Bee bridge is located about 25 miles north of Anthem.

Why is the Bumble Bee bridge being removed?

The Bumble Bee bridge is being completely uprooted as ADOT prepares to add “flex lanes” on the I-17, which are two-lane roadways that will ease northbound or southbound traffic during peak times.

A new bridge just north of the old one has been under construction since last year.

Other upcoming Bumble Bee-related closures

Beginning Feb. 21, the northbound I-17 off-ramp at Bumble Bee Road will be closed. The road itself will also be closed to traffic on the same date.

Both closures will last until March 21.

When will the I-17 Improvement Project be finished?

The 23-mile highway improvement project between Anthem Way and Sunset Point is scheduled to be completed in late 2025.

ADOT said 15 miles, from Anthem Way to Black Canyon City, are supposed to be fully operational this spring.

A 65 mph speed limit is being enforced throughout the entire I-17 construction zone.

Related

North Phoenix closures scheduled for next 4 weekends as I-17 project winds downLatest Valley freeway advisory includes significant closures on I-10, I-17Here are the major freeway projects scheduled for metro Phoenix in 2025Five Phoenix freeways, one weekend: Closures and travel detours to look out forWestbound Interstate 10 reopens in West Valley after fatal collisionWeekend Valley construction closes lanes on Loop 101, Loop 202 and SR 51