Pinal Today

Northbound Interstate 17 will be closed near Happy Valley Road in north Phoenix this weekend, February 21-24, for pavement and bridge improvements. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced the closure to facilitate necessary work on the freeway.

The closure affects the section between Happy Valley Road and Loop 303 from 10 p.m. on Friday, February 21, until 5 a.m. on Monday, February 24. During this period, northbound I-17 on-ramps at Deer Valley, Pinnacle Peak, Happy Valley, and Jomax roads will also be closed.

ADOT advises drivers to allow extra travel time and consider adjusting their schedules accordingly. The primary detour for northbound I-17 traffic involves using westbound Happy Valley Road to northbound Lake Pleasant Parkway and eastbound Loop 303. ADOT recommends following this detour even if navigation apps suggest alternative routes to minimize delays. It is advised to avoid streets east of I-17 that are not designed for freeway traffic as some street closures will restrict access to local traffic only.

This project aims to improve the pavement along I-17 between Happy Valley Road and State Route 74 by removing the old asphalt top layer and treating the concrete pavement beneath with diamond grinding. According to ADOT, "the improvement work already has created a safer, smoother and longer lasting surface along six miles of I-17 north of Happy Valley Road."

An additional weekend closure is planned for southbound I-17 between SR 74/Carefree Highway and Loop 303 from February 28 at 10 p.m. to March 3 at 5 a.m., although this schedule may change due to weather or other factors.

The project began in May 2024. For more information or updates, visit azdot.gov/i-17HappyValleySR74. Real-time highway conditions can be accessed via ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov or through the AZ511 app available for Apple or Android devices.