ARIZONA TRAFFIC

Here’s why a busy stretch of Interstate 17 north of Phoenix is getting increased patrols

Jan 28, 2025, 5:00 AM

PHOENIX — Expanded patrols have begun on a busy portion of Interstate 17 north of Phoenix as a way of slowing drivers and increasing safety in ongoing construction zones.

Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers started the patrols between Anthem Way and Sunset Point on Monday, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).

The goal of the plan is to limit crashes along the 23-mile stretch where construction continues as part of the ongoing I-17 Improvement Project.

The patrols will focus on drivers who are hazards in the work zone for construction crews and other motorists.

Main points of I-17 increased patrols

Obeying speed limits in the work zone will be a main point of the patrols, ADOT said.

The entirety of the construction zone has had a speed limit of 65 mph since construction started in September 2022.

DPS troopers will patrol both sides of I-17 and also conduct commercial vehicle enforcement as part of a collaborative effort between it and ADOT.

Also, the Bumble Bee area where eight miles of flex lanes remain under construction will get additional attention.

There will be overnight full closures of southbound I-17 in February to take down the old Bumble Bee bridge. As a result, Bumble Bee Road will be closed in both direction for approximately six weeks. Bumble Bee Road is typically a turnaround spot for motorists and extra patrols will target drivers that are acting reckless when the road cannot be used for that function.

How much longer until Interstate 17 project is finished?

The 15 miles of new lanes between Anthem Way and Black Canyon City are scheduled to open in the spring once paving is complete. The eight miles of flex lanes between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point will open later this year, according to ADOT.

The project, once complete, will ease congestion and improve traffic flow along the busy stretch.

We want to hear from you.

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

Arizona Traffic

I17 Bumble Bee bridge ADOT construction Feb. 10-12 overnight...

Payne Moses

I-17 overnight closures next week to remove old Bumble Bee bridge

The southbound Interstate 17 will be closed overnight from Monday to Wednesday due to scheduled reconstruction of the Bumble Bee bridge.

4 hours ago

US 60 between Superior and Miami will be closed until Friday due to blasting work that was performe...

David Veenstra

US 60 between Superior, Miami reopens following blasting

US 60 between Superior and Miami has reopened following blasting work that was performed in the area.

1 day ago

weekend traffic advisory feb. 7-10...

Kevin Stone

Latest Valley freeway advisory includes significant closures on I-10, I-17

The Valley freeway advisory for this weekend includes another major closure on Interstate 10.

1 day ago

Westbound Interstate 10 was closed in Tempe for a police investigation throughout the morning Thurs...

Kevin Stone

Interstate 10 reopens in Tempe after investigation into deadly shooting

Westbound Interstate 10 was closed in Tempe for most of the morning Thursday while authorities investigated a deadly shooting.

3 days ago

The Arizona Department of Transportation announced it has selected a design for an interchange proj...

Bailey Leasure

ADOT announces final design for State Route 347 interchange project

The Arizona Department of Transportation announced it has selected a design for an interchange project involving State Route 347 and Riggs Road.

3 days ago

An Interstate 17 improvement project will disrupt traffic in north Phoenix over the next four weeke...

Kevin Stone

North Phoenix closures scheduled for next 4 weekends as I-17 project winds down

Traffic will be disrupted in north Phoenix over the next four weekends by what's expected to be the final round of full closures for an Interstate 17 improvement project

4 days ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

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.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Here’s why a busy stretch of Interstate 17 north of Phoenix is getting increased patrols