Interstate 17 right lane reopens near Black Canyon City after fire closure

PHOENIX — The right lane has reopened on Interstate 17 near Black Canyon City following a closure due to a brush fire, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Around 2:50 p.m., I-17 northbound at milepost 259 had been closed due to the Horseshoe Fire, authorities said.

At approximately 4 p.m., traffic was able to resume traveling northbound in the left lane only.

Though southbound traffic was not closed, heavy backup extended to the area of State Route 169, according to ADOT.

Around 6:30 p.m., ADOT announced the right lane of I-17 had reopened, through traffic was still clogged with heavy backup.

There is still a very heavy backup in both directions of I-17 near MP 259 (south of Cordes Junction), due to a brushfire in the area.

Drivers can use the ADOT Alerts app, the AZ 511 app, and https://t.co/DcnhUhuPEN to stay up-to-date on road traffic and conditions. pic.twitter.com/C4fKL1ZoNT

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) July 20, 2020

According to officials, the blaze was originally reported as a vehicle fire before spreading to the ground.

Just prior to the the I-17’s right lane reopening, fire officials said the Horseshoe Fire was 80% after burning about 98 acres.

Air tankers and helicopters were called in to work with firefighters on the ground to contain the blaze.

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