Valley freeways will be free of weekend closures until after holidays

PHOENIX – The holiday season break from construction on Valley freeways will continue through New Year’s weekend, but officials say drivers shouldn’t let their guards down.

The Arizona Department of Transportation hasn’t scheduled any weekend freeway closures since before Thanksgiving and won’t resume them before the weekend of Jan. 6.

However, motorists should anticipate heavy traffic and potential delays as holiday travelers fill the roads.

“As the holiday travel season continues, drivers should focus on staying alert, obeying speed limits, buckling up and avoiding distractions, including texting while driving,” ADOT said in a press release. “Motorists also should never drive while impaired.”

ADOT News: ADOT: No highway closures over Christmas, New Year’s weekends

Drivers should focus on safety, staying alert and packing an emergency kit

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— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) December 15, 2022

AAA is predicting that over 2.1 million Arizonans will take trips between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2, many by car. That would be Arizona’s third-busiest holiday travel season since 2000.

The busiest days on the road are expected to be the Friday before Christmas and Dec. 27-28, AAA said.

Drivers are advised to hit the road during off-peak hours, either before 2 p.m. or after 8 p.m. Otherwise, they could see travel times that are up to 25% longer than usual.

ADOT recommends that travelers pack emergency kits in case of unexpected traffic snags or car troubles.

The kits should include extra bottled water, snacks, a flashlight plus extra batteries, blankets, warm clothes and first aid supplies.

More road trip safety tips are listed on ADOT’s website.

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