ADOT holding pair of public meetings for $450 million I-17 improvement project

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation is holding two public meetings to share information and answer questions regarding the nearly $450 million Interstate 17 improvement that is scheduled to get underway later this year.

A virtual meeting will go from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on March 31. An in-person meeting on April 26 is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Canon Elementary School, located at 34630 School Loop Road in Black Canyon City.

Those interested in the project can also go through a virtual open house between March 31 and April 26. The information provided will mirror what’s discussed at the meetings.

The $446 million project between Anthem and Sunset Point north of Phoenix has pre-construction underway, with work expected to take about three years, ADOT said.

The project includes 15 miles of widening the interstate between Anthem and Black Canyon City and eight miles of new flex lanes from Black Canyon City to Sunset Point.

The flex lanes will be capable of carrying traffic in either direction and are intended to help reduce congestion during peak travel times and allow for traffic movement during emergencies.

According to ADOT, most lane closures for the project will be scheduled for weeknight evenings and early mornings, though construction zones will be active seven days a week.

The total project cost is $445,940,000 and includes the developer’s construction cost and ADOT’s cost to administer the project, the transportation agency said.

The project’s funding is coming from the state, the federal government and Maricopa County.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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