ADOT suspends Fourth of July road closures, but still expect heavy traffic on major corridors

Even though Arizona transportation officials are giving construction crews the Fourth of July weekend off, drivers should still be ready for heavier traffic and possible delays on major corridors.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is suspending all full highway closures, including on Phoenix-area freeways, from Thursday afternoon through Monday morning to limit impacts on holiday travel.

ADOT anticipates heavy traffic toward Arizona’s popular long weekend spots

The Interstate 17 flex lanes between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point will be open for northbound traffic through late Saturday before switching to southbound travel on Sunday.

Other highways expected to see increased traffic include State Route 87 between Fountain Hills and Payson, U.S. 93 between Wickenburg and Hoover Dam and Interstates 8 and 10 between the Phoenix area and the California state line.

Peak travel periods are expected Thursday afternoon and Sunday afternoon and evening.

Drivers are urged to allow extra time.

ADOT is also urging holiday travelers to keep an emergency kit with extra drinking water, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, a fully charged cellphone and charger and snacks. The agency recommends keeping prescription medicines accessible in case of travel delays.

“Avoid distractions. Don’t text while driving. Eyes up, phones down,” the agency wrote in its weekly advisory.

ADOT also urged drivers to check the roadworthiness of their cars. Check tire pressure and engine fluid levels before taking off. Don’t drive impaired or even drowsy. Drivers towing trailers are asked to wrap up chains to keep them from dragging on pavement and creating sparks that could ignite brush fires.

ADOT’s Incident Response Unit, which patrols Phoenix-area freeways in Maricopa County, will patrol roads from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. over the weekend. On-call maintenance crews will be available statewide.

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

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