I-17 south of downtown Phoenix back to 3 lanes as bridge project nears completion

PHOENIX — The third lane in each direction of Interstate 17 south of downtown Phoenix has reopened after more than a year as a bridge project nears completion.

The lanes were restricted to allow for a work zone in areas between Seventh Street and Seventh Avenue while the new freeway bridge over Central Avenue was reconstructed, the Arizona Department of Transportation said in a press release on Monday.

While the $13.5 million project is scheduled to be completed this fall, additional closures and temporary lane restrictions will occur in the coming month, according to ADOT.

The new I-17 bridge is wider to accommodate plans for additional lanes along the highway when future funding is available, according to ADOT.

It also provides increased clearance for commercial vehicles on Central Avenue, along with the future South Central Avenue light rail line.

Construction on the project, funded in part by a dedicated sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004, began in May of 2020.

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