I-17 reopens at Sunset Point after brush fire closes highway

PHOENIX — Interstate 17 saw massive delays Sunday near Sunset Point north of the Phoenix area due to a brush fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The highway was completely closed at Sunset Point both directions early Sunday evening, but both southbound lanes and one northbound lane are now open and traffic is beginning to flow normally.

I-17 NB backups are gone, but we're still seeing slow traffic southbound. pic.twitter.com/IusluBdNZq

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) July 10, 2017

Despite the reopenings, there were long delays that at one point heading southbound stretched about 10 miles from Sunset Point all the way to State Route 69. That traffic was still sluggish and backed up as of late Sunday night.

Going northbound, the backup reached four miles.

One NB lane of I-17 has reopened at Sunset Pt. Both SB lanes are open. Still expect LONG DELAYS while the backups clear. Alt routes below. pic.twitter.com/4S6dpFb8xP

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) July 10, 2017

Drivers heading south are asked to use State Route 169 through Prescott and then take the 89 through Wickenburg to get to Phoenix. Using State Route 260 to State Route 87 through Payson is another option for those heading southbound to the Valley.

Twitter user Aly Durrett (@A_Durrett) took a photo of the flames just off the side of the road along I-17.

I-17 southbound a mile north of Sunset Point. #wildfires #arizona #azwx pic.twitter.com/75L03YRom9

— Aly Durrett (@A_Durrett) July 9, 2017

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