PHOENIX (KVOA) – Arizona drivers can expect a smoother ride over the Labor Day weekend as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced there will be no full closures on state highways.
This pause in closures runs from Friday afternoon, Aug. 29, through late Monday night, Sept. 1.
ADOT, alongside the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and other agencies, urges drivers to stay alert and prioritize safety during their road trips, as well as expect the unexpected including car crashes or wildfires.
Heavy traffic is anticipated on highways in and out of Phoenix and Tucson, including on Interstate 17 north of Phoenix, where new flex lanes between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point will be open to ease congestion. Those two additional lanes will be open for northbound traffic on Aug. 29 through Aug. 30, and for southbound traffic on Aug. 31 through Sept. 1.
Travelers should be prepared for potential delays and carry an emergency kit with essentials like water, a first-aid kit and a fully charged cellphone, officials said. ADOT advises checking vehicles before traveling and avoiding distractions like texting.
ADOT’s Incident Response Unit will be on standby to assist drivers, and real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site.