ADOT: No closures scheduled along state highways
over Thanksgiving weekend; please drive safely
PHOENIX – Travelers who will be using state highways over the Thanksgiving weekend will not encounter any construction-related closures.
The Arizona Department of Transportation is holding off on projects requiring closures to ease travel and promote safety as the holiday travel season gets under way.
Drivers are still urged to prepare for trips ahead of time and to use caution when out on the road, especially when traveling through existing work zones.
Travel to and from Las Vegas is improved with the recent opening of the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge along US 93. ADOT also is completing fifteen miles of new lanes south of the dam this week, creating a safer divided four-lane section of US 93 in the area.
Closer to the Phoenix area, ADOT plans to open new third lanes in each direction along Grand Avenue (US 60) between 88rd Avenue and Loop 101 in the Peoria area on Wednesday (Nov. 24). A Grand Avenue work zone remains in place between Loop 101 and Loop 303.
If traveling between the Phoenix area and Payson, please allow extra travel time along State Route 87 north of the Saguaro Lake Turnoff. SR 87 is narrowed to one lane in each direction for approximately six-miles (mileposts 208-214) until spring 2011. That’s when crews will open a new southbound passing lane and complete other safety-based work, including shoulder improvements.
ADOT urges drivers to be prepared in the event of any unscheduled highway restrictions. Information about driving in winter weather conditions is available on ADOT’s Web page at www.azdot.gov (click on Know Snow).
Twelve people were killed in 11 fatal crashes along state highways and local roads over the Thanksgiving weekend a year ago (2009). Drivers are asked to follow these safety tips before and during any road trips:
•Buckle Up
•Be Patient and Don’t Speed
•Never Drink and Drive; Use a Designated Driver
•Check Your Vehicle, Including Tire Pressure
•Get Some Rest Before Your Trip
•Check Highway Conditions at www.az511.gov
ADOT has joined with the State Department of Public Safety and Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in asking drivers to focus on safe driving over the Thanksgiving weekend and throughout the holiday driving season.
