If you’re among the thousands of drivers who will be taking a road trip over the Labor Day weekend, you won’t face any construction-related closures along state highways, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
No construction closures are scheduled along Phoenix-area freeways or other state highways over the holiday weekend.
In fact, crews will wrap up any ongoing work by Friday afternoon — when many drivers are expected to be starting out on their holiday trips.
Some existing work zones will remain in place and drivers are urged to use caution in areas where reduced speed limits and lane changes will be in place.
Those locations include Interstate 17 work zones for interchange improvement projects at Cordes Junction and Munds Park.
Drivers are reminded to “expect the unexpected” and understand that they may encounter unscheduled closures due to crashes or other incidents. ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety recommend packing extra supplies, including drinking water, in case of an unscheduled restriction.
Eight people died in crashes on state highways and local roads over the Labor Day weekend last year.
Driver behavior is the key factor when it comes to highway safety. In addition to buckling up and never drinking and driving, motorists are urged to obey speed limits, avoid distractions and exercise patience while out on the road.
Getting a good night’s rest before traveling and checking your vehicle, including tire pressure, are other safety steps that drivers should take. You should also be prepared for possible changes in weather conditions.
Before starting out on a trip, drivers are encouraged to check on highway conditions at ADOT’s Travel Information site at www.az511.gov or by calling 5-1-1 from within the state.
• Briefs compiled from staff and wire reports
