Arizona drivers won’t face any scheduled freeway closures over holiday break
Nov 23, 2022, 12:15 PM
(Pixabay Photo)
PHOENIX – Arizona drivers looking forward to full stomachs on Thanksgiving Day will be able to get where they’re going a bit quicker with no closures scheduled on state freeways.
The Arizona Department of Transportation said the holiday weekend roads will be unburdened by construction and maintenance shutdowns starting Wednesday afternoon and ending Monday morning.
But that doesn’t guarantee clear sailing.
More than 950,000 of the million-plus Arizona traveling for the holiday break will be driving, according to Triple A Arizona.
“The busiest travel day of the week – in the air and on the road – will be Wednesday,” spokesman Julian Paredes told KTAR News 92.3 FM.
“Pretty much from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., it’s going to be packed,” he said.
ADOT: No planned closures over Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 23-28)
Drivers should focus on safety, staying alert and packing an emergency kit.
Motorists may encounter restrictions in existing work zones: https://t.co/q71SNFHZaC pic.twitter.com/9EB4ArAoa4
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) November 23, 2022
ADOT expected heavy traffic on Interstate 17 and State Route 87 north the Valley and on I-10 between Tucson and California.
Road trippers could come across existing work zone restrictions across the state.
• State Route 89A is narrowed to one lane with alternating two-way traffic (temporary traffic signals) at the “switchbacks” in Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona (rockfall/erosion mitigation project).
• Northbound U.S. 93 at the Kabba Wash Bridge is narrowed to one lane at milepost 97 south of I-40 (construction project).
• Interstate 15 near Beaver Dam/Littlefield is narrowed to one lane in each direction at mileposts 8-9 for an ongoing bridge replacement project.
The state agency recommended travelers pack an emergency kit that included prescribed medications, cellphone charger, extra bottled water, snacks, a flashlight and batteries, blankets and a first aid kit.
ADOT and Triple A recommended checking over the vehicle before hitting the road, especially tire pressure and tread and fluid levels.