Heavy traffic continues on I-17 due to brush fires, ADOT projects

Heavy traffic and long lines were expected on portions of Interstate 17 this weekend due to closures issued by the Arizona Department of Transportation. A brush fire Saturday near Table Mesa added to the delays.

The agency said northbound I-17 near Table Mesa was closed and all cars were turning around. Vehicles were ordered to head south on I-17 until the roadway improvement project at Loop 303 is closed.

ADOT said travelers should seriously consider delaying travel plans or considering alternate routes because there was no estimated time to reopen the highway as of 4 p.m. Saturday.

The agency previously announced that closures on southbound I-17 between Loop 303 and Happy Valley Road would begin at 10 p.m. Friday and end at 5 a.m. Monday.