State highway travelers in Arizona will not face any scheduled closures over the upcoming Labor Day weekend, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The agency is urging drivers to take extra safety precautions during the holiday period.
ADOT recommends that motorists avoid distractions such as texting while driving and keep their focus on the road. Drivers are also advised to check their vehicles before traveling, including tire pressure and engine fluid levels, and to ensure they are well-rested before starting a trip. The department reminds everyone never to drive while impaired, always wear seat belts, obey speed limits, and arrange for a designated driver or ride service if needed.
For those towing trailers, ADOT advises securing chains so they do not drag on pavement and create sparks that could start brush fires. Motorists should also avoid stopping in areas with grasses or brush because hot vehicle components may ignite fires.
ADOT has stated it will have personnel ready to respond to incidents along highways throughout the holiday weekend. In addition to statewide maintenance crews on call, the ADOT Incident Response Unit (IRU), sponsored by GEICO, will patrol Phoenix-area freeways in Maricopa County from 4 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. According to ADOT: “The IRU operators assist state troopers as well as drivers in need of help.”
More information about the IRU can be found on the ADOT website.
Travelers seeking real-time highway conditions can access updates through ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at AZ511.gov (https://az511.gov/), via the az511 app available for Apple or Android devices, or by calling 511. Highway condition updates are also provided through ADOT’s X feed @ArizonaDOT.
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