‘Transformers’ remains filming on Loop 303 through Saturday

PHOENIX — A Phoenix-area stretch of the Loop 303 will remain closed until early Saturday morning as “Transformers: the Last Knight” continues filming.

The span of highway between Interstate 17 and Lake Pleasant Parkway has been closed since Friday, when filming for the fifth movie in the series began.

The highway was supposed to re-open Wednesday but the Arizona Department of Transportation said producers needed more time to film.

Film production on L-303 to continue through early Saturday. https://t.co/UGVMRpkvdv

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) June 16, 2016

In case anyone was getting a little tired of detours, the department made sure to mention that the film’s presence in the Valley added to the area’s economy and not just residents’ travel times.

“The production has had 300 people at locations in Arizona for nearly three weeks, boosting the economy through meals, lodging, fuel purchases and more,” the department’s press release read.

“It has hired local companies for a variety of services, including equipment rental, transportation and construction,” the release continued.

Traffic will continue to be detoured east- and westbound to state route 74.