ADOT plans to keep state highways open over holidays

PHOENIX — This holiday season, the Arizona Department of Transportation’s gift to motorists is keeping the state’s highways open into the new year.

There will be no complete closures for construction or maintenance through Jan. 2, ADOT announced Thursday.

However, existing construction that partially restricts highway travel will remain, so the agency wants drivers to obey speed limits, as speeding is the leading cause of crashes.

ADOT will continue to display messages on its electronic highway signs with a holiday theme to remind drivers to drive safely.

The agency also wants drivers to always be prepared for unexpected delays by packing extra food and water, not driving while tired or impaired, ensuring the vehicle is safe to drive, and packing an emergency kit with cold-weather clothes and blankets if traveling to high country.

Winter driving safety and emergency prep tips are available at the “Know Snow” web page, and real-time highway conditions can be found online, on Twitter or by calling 511.

Drivers can also gets alerts and alternate route notifications via ADOT’s mobile app.