Some I-17 ramps to be closed overnight for wrong-way detection system

PHOENIX — Several on- and off-ramps for the Interstate 17 in the Phoenix area will be closed overnight this week to allow for the continued installation of a $3.7 million wrong-way driver detection system.

Several of the freeway ramps will be closed overnight from Tuesday to Friday of this week, the Arizona Department of Transportation announced.

The north- and southbound I-17 on-ramps at Indian School Road will be closed from 9 p.m. on Tuesday to 5 a.m. on Wednesday.

The northbound I-17 on-ramp at Glendale Avenue and the frontage road from Colter Street to Missouri Avenue will be closed from 9 p.m. on Tuesday to 5 a.m. on Wednesday.

The southbound I-17 on-ramp at Glendale Avenue and the north- and southbound I-17 on-ramps at Camelback Road will be closed from 9 p.m. on Wednesday to 5 a.m. on Thursday.

The southbound I-17 on-ramp at Yorkshire Drive and off-ramp at Thunderbird Road will be closed from 9 p.m. on Thursday to 5 a.m. on Friday.

The project was approved by the state Transportation Board in June and then accelerated by Gov. Doug Ducey after a series of wrong way accident-related deaths occurred in the same month.

The detection system is designed to trigger alerts including illuminated signs and flashing lights aimed at getting drivers to stop.

More than 1,600 wrong way drivers were reported on Arizona freeways in 2016.

Through June of this year, more than 740 wrong way drivers were reported, prompting Ducey to urge the Transportation Board to solve the problem as quickly as possible.

Installation of the thermal detection cameras are expected to be complete by the end of the month.

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