Sunset Point Rest Area north of Phoenix on I-17 to close for renovations

PHOENIX – The next phase of the Sunset Point Rest Area renovation starts Wednesday, when the facility will be closed to most vehicles until next year, the Arizona Department of Transportation announced.

Sunset Point, known for its scenic views, is a convenient Interstate 17 break spot between Phoenix and destinations to the north, including Prescott, Sedona and Flagstaff.

ADOT said the $7.5 million renovation is expected to be finished before the 2023 travel season.

The project, which started in July, includes work on covered ramadas, sidewalks, lighting and signage. The memorial sundial honoring highway workers who died on the job also will be renovated.

Commercial truck drivers still will be allowed to use Sunset Point to park, rest and use portable restrooms and handwashing stations during the closure.

Other vehicles will have access to a temporary rest stop 4 miles north of Sunset Point at the Badger Springs Road exit. It will offer parking, portable restrooms and handwashing stations on the east side of I-17 and be accessible to traffic in both directions via Exit 256.

The temporary rest stop won’t have room for commercial vehicles, oversized loads, large RVs and vehicles with trailers. Drivers of those vehicles can use Sunset Point if necessary during the closure, but they are encouraged to avoid it.

Existing facilities off I-17 are available 10 miles north of Sunset Point at Cordes Junction and 10 miles south at Black Canyon City.

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