ARIZONA NEWS

Gift of a Valley freeway system free of roadwork continues until after holiday season

Dec 20, 2024, 4:45 AM

valley freeway system...

Valley drivers won't have to worry about freeway closures again until early 2025. (Arizona Department of Transportation Photo)

(Arizona Department of Transportation Photo)

PHOENIX – The holiday treat of a construction-free Valley freeway system will continue into early next year.

The Arizona Department of Transportation hasn’t implemented any significant weekend restrictions since before Thanksgiving.

This week, the agency announced that it wasn’t scheduling any construction or maintenance work in the Phoenix area over the next three weekends.

That means the next time drivers will have to check their Valley freeway system routes for weekend detours will be Jan. 10-13.

As an bonus gift to motorists, no closures are planned on state highways outside metro Phoenix between Monday and Jan. 6.

According to AAA, around 2 million Arizonans will take trips by car during the holiday travel season, which runs from Saturday until New Year’s Day.

Nationally, 107 million people are expected to travel by car over that period.

“Holiday travel brings us together, but safety should always come first,” Todd Burger, chief automotive officer for AAA Arizona, said in a press release. “Smart choices can ensure a safer journey for everyone this holiday season.”

How to stay safe on roads during holiday travel season

Drivers should make sure they are well-rested before embarking on road trips and never drive while impaired.

To mitigate the possibility of car trouble, motorists should check tire pressure, fluid levels and the condition of belts, hoses and windshield wipers before departing.

Holiday road trippers also are encouraged to pack an emergency kit of the following items in case they have to endure snarled traffic, disruptive weather or mechanical issues:

  • Extra bottled water
  • Snacks
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Blankets
  • Warm clothing, including gloves
  • First-aid kit
  • Prescription medications
  • Cellphone charger

Get the latest KTAR News 92.3 FM traffic alerts sent straight to your phone by texting “TRAFFIC” to 620620.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Two Arizona Department of Economic Security Employees were convicted of receiving bribes to approv...

David Veenstra

2 state employees convicted of receiving bribes

Two Arizona Department of Economic Security Employees were convicted of receiving bribes to approve unemployment insurance claims.

6 hours ago

pay raise for troopers Arizona Department of Public Safety 2025...

Serena O'Sullivan

Katie Hobbs says DPS troopers, who seized 2,647 pounds of fentanyl pills last year, deserve 5% raise

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs reiterated her desire to institute a pay raise for troopers with the Arizona Department of Public Safety on Tuesday.

7 hours ago

FILE - This undated booking photo provided by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation...

David Veenstra

Arizona Supreme Court grants request to carry out state’s 1st execution since 2022

The Arizona Supreme Court granted a request to carry out the state's first execution since 2022, authorities announced on Tuesday.

9 hours ago

An Arizona woman pleaded guilty in a fraud scheme that generated millions of dollars for herself an...

David Veenstra

Arizona woman pleads guilty in fraud scheme that benefited North Korea

An Arizona woman pleaded guilty in a fraud scheme that generated millions of dollars for herself and for North Korea. 

10 hours ago

A retired deputy from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department was convicted of luring a minor i...

David Veenstra

Retired LA deputy convicted of luring a minor in Arizona

A retired deputy from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department was convicted of luring a minor in Arizona, authorities announced on Tuesday.

11 hours ago

Man shot in head in Tempe...

KTAR.com

Man shot in head in Tempe trying to drive himself to hospital crashes into vehicles

A man who was shot in the head and attempting to drive himself to the hospital crashed into two vehicles on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

Gift of a Valley freeway system free of roadwork continues until after holiday season