PHOENIX — Whether you are traveling locally or going out of town this holiday weekend, Valley drivers can be thankful for no freeway closures, but there are tips officials want motorists to keep in mind when heading to their destination.
Metro Phoenix freeways and streets will not be touched by scheduled maintenance from Wednesday afternoon until Monday morning.
However, ADOT recommended that Arizonans traveling during the Thanksgiving holiday leave early, especially during peak travel times.
“We always check on the traditional times and really (most of the traffic is) going to be on Wednesday afternoon and any time, say, after 1 p.m. into the night time hours on Wednesday,” ADOT spokesman Doug Nintzel told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday. “Thursday morning (will be) busy as well, but Wednesday afternoon primarily as people are trying to get to their destination and again on Sunday afternoon when people are headed back home.”
The roadway authority pinpointed the Interstate 17 north of Phoenix as a spot where traffic will likely pile up. However, northbound drivers on this freeway from Wednesday to Saturday will have access to two extra lanes on the eight-mile stretch between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point.
The new “flex lanes system” will then flip for southbound use on Sunday.
Tips for Thanksgiving travel without freeway closures
Despite there being no planned freeway closures over the holiday, Nintzel noted that drivers should expect the unexpected.
“There’s always a chance that there will be a disabled vehicle or a crash that could either slow traffic on a highway or close the highway,” Nintzel said.
Ninztel also advised that motorists allow for extra travel time so that they may remain patient while behind the wheel.
Besides being prepared time-wise, it is also important that Arizonans put together an emergency travel kit.
“That would include things like extra bottled water … make sure you have a flashlight, a fully charged cell phone (and) you want that charger with you,” Nintzel said. “Just be thinking about the things that would make you comfortable in case you’re in a situation where a highway is closed or you’ve run into slowing traffic.”
Other items ADOT recommend packing in the kit were food, first-aid supplies and warm clothing.
According to AAA spokesman Julian Parades, the average gas price is expected to be $3.34 per gallon for Thanksgiving travelers. He noted that this is slightly higher than last year’s holiday average.
“To maximize your fuel economy, you really want to stick to the speed limit, slow down, make sure your tires are properly inflated,” Parades said. “That’s always good advice for maximizing the gas that you do pay for.”
Parades added that there are apps Arizonans can download that will show them where the cheapest gas stations are.
“The best time to be traveling this whole Thanksgiving week is going to in the morning,” Parades said. “It can kind of save you a little bit of your travel time and save on gas as well if you beat the traffic and get out the door as early as you can.”
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