Subject: Weekend Freeway Restrictions in Phoenix Area (May 9-12); Westbound I-10 Restriction Affects Drivers Heading from Tucson to Phoenix Date: Thursday, May 08, 2008 8:22 PM Weekend Freeway Restrictions in Phoenix Area (May 9-12); Westbound I-10 Restriction Affects Drivers Heading from Tucson to Phoenix Several improvement projects to add lanes, do rubberized asphalt paving and to improve access on Valley freeways will require roadway restrictions in the Phoenix area this weekend (May 9-12). The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) recommends drivers allow for extra travel time while the following restrictions are in place: * Westbound I-10 narrowed to one lane between Queen Creek Road and Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (May 12) for rubberized asphalt paving. I-10 ramps to Loop 202 and Wild Horse Pass Boulevard also closed. DETOUR: To access I-10 from Wild Horse Pass Boulevard during ramp closures, drivers can take 56th Street to Chandler Boulevard. I-10 drivers heading to the Southeast Valley can exit at Riggs Road, travel to Alma School Road and then head north to Loop 202. Project benefit: Rubberized asphalt on Valley freeways creates a smoother and quieter ride for all drivers. * Eastbound I-10 narrowed to one lane between Avondale Boulevard and 99th Avenue from 1 to 9 a.m. Saturday (May 10) for demolition of the 107th Avenue bridge deck. DETOUR: Drivers encouraged to plan for extra travel time and be prepared to merge safely in the work zone. * Westbound I-10 narrowed to one lane between 99th Avenue and Avondale Boulevard from 11 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday (May 11) for bridge demolition. Project benefit: Two new lanes in both directions are being added to this section of I-10 in the West Valley to improve traffic flow. * Eastbound I-10 narrowed to one lane between 27th Avenue and 19th Avenue from 11 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (May 12) for pavement repairs. DETOUR: Drivers encouraged to use other interchanges to access I-10. Project benefit: A well-maintained freeway provides a safer, smoother ride for drivers, while extending the life of the roadway. * Northbound I-17 closed overnight at Carefree Highway (State Route 74) from 9 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday (May 12) for bridge work. DETOUR: Traffic will be detoured onto the interchange off and on-ramps during the closure. Project benefit: ADOT is adding new lanes and interchanges along this section of I-17 to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. The project will be complete in 2009. * Westbound US 60 ramp to I-10 closed from 3 a.m. to noon Saturday (May 10) for routine maintenance. DETOUR: Westbound US 60 drivers should use local streets to avoid the closure. Project benefit: ADOT regularly maintains freeways and ramps to ensure continued safety and to maximize a smooth ride for drivers. For a complete listing of freeway and highway closures or restrictions across Arizona visit ADOT’s Travel Information site at www.az511.com or call 5-1-1.