No state highway construction closures over Fourth of July weekend

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PHOENIX — During the Fourth of July weekend, state and local agencies are focusing on keeping motorists safe, and placing equipment and resources along heavily traveled highways to help move traffic should incidents occur. As part of America’s 240th birthday celebration, the Arizona Department of Transportation and its contractors won’t schedule construction closures along state highways from Friday through Monday evening.

While no closures are scheduled during the holiday weekend, travelers should be aware that existing work-zone restrictions with lane reductions will remain in place, including on I-10 near Benson.

ADOT is emphasizing safety in three high-traffic zones that will receive extra enforcement and resources to minimize travel delays. Along Interstate 17 between north Phoenix and Flagstaff, Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson, and State Route 87 between Mesa and Payson, ADOT crews will strategically stage equipment, such as loaders and utility trucks, for faster response times to crashes and stalled vehicles to decrease travel delays.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety will have an enhanced presence on highways, targeting impairment and dangerous driving behaviors. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is working with local, county and state law enforcement agencies on a holiday DUI enforcement campaign. Last year, 11 people died in 11 fatal traffic collisions during the holiday weekend on Arizona roadways. Eight of the crashes were alcohol-related.

To encourage smart driving decisions, ADOT’s overhead signs will display current traffic conditions and safety messages.

Fire restrictions are in place for much of Arizona and those traveling to campgrounds are advised to check with park rangers about campfire restrictions. Because unexpected delays can occur due to crashes and stalled vehicles, those traveling during the weekend should:

  • Pack extra drinking water and snacks
  • Avoid the busiest travel times, if possible
  • Get plenty of rest before driving
  • Check vehicles, including tire pressure, belts and fluid levels

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Travel Information Center at az511.gov, by calling 511 and through ADOT’s Twitter feed @ArizonaDOT.

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