I-10, SR 347 reopened after blowing dust, low visibility caused closures

PHOENIX — Two Arizona highways have reopened after blowing winds and low visibility forced closures on Thursday.

The Arizona Department of Transportation announced that the State Route 347 was reopened after it was closed in both directions north of Maricopa.

St Rt 347 is closed due to blowing dust causing little to no visibility from Casa Blanca road to Riggs road. pic.twitter.com/AP9qdBZSu3

— Detour Dan (@DetourDanKTAR) April 12, 2018

The northbound lanes were closed at Casa Blanca Road and the southbound lanes were closed at Riggs Road.

ADOT first closed the southbound lanes around 3:30 p.m. before closing the highway entirely around 3:40 p.m.

It was reopened around 7 p.m.

The closure also caused long delays and heavy traffic.

Drivers were encouraged to avoid travel on the freeway.

The Interstate 10 was also closed in both directions between mileposts 191 and 194 near Casa Grande on Thursday due to limited visibility, but has since reopened. Department of Public Safety officers started to slowly escort vehicles off the highway at one point during the closure.

Traffic Alert:
EB and WB I-10 is closed between MP 191-194 due to limited visibility. Find alternate routes and be safe. #pullasidestayalive pic.twitter.com/Y1dE64UKOd

— Dept. Public Safety (@Arizona_DPS) April 12, 2018

Blowing dust affected drivers across Arizona on Thursday.

Visibility nearly zero on I-10 just south of #Phoenix & getting worse. I can’t believe people are still driving. #DustBowl #PinalCounty pic.twitter.com/LzBtRT9w8S

— Pam Powers Hannley (@P2Hannley) April 12, 2018

Blowing Dust is getting worse on I-10 in the Eloy/Picacho Peak area. Visibilities less than 1 mile are occurring. If encountering dense blowing dust, Pull Aside Stay Alive. CC: @ArizonaDOT #azwx pic.twitter.com/HxZwh9Td2S

— NWS Tucson (@NWSTucson) April 12, 2018

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