Gift of a Valley freeway system free of roadwork continues until after holiday season
Dec 20, 2024, 4:45 AM
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.
Happy holidays, Arizona!
There are no planned closures along Phoenix-area freeways over the next three weekends (Dec. 20-Jan. 6) to limit impacts on holiday traffic. pic.twitter.com/zyoqwDmeqr
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) December 18, 2024
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.
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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
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