Photo Credit: ADOT

Overnight I-17 Closures Start Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 Between Anthem Way and Sunset Point 

Drivers who travel I-17 at night will need to plan ahead to avoid major delays as the highway is closed regularly during the weeknight overnight hours for controlled rock blasting over the next several months. The blasting is necessary work as part of the I-17 Improvement Project from Anthem Way to Sunset Point.

As part of a safety-based operation, the first full closures are scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 30 from 10 to 11 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 1 from 10 to 11 p.m. During the next approximately eight months, the full closures will take place two to three times a week Mondays through Thursdays.

Generally, blasting will occur between 10 and 11 p.m. However, the window of time for this work to occur is between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. The start and end times of each closure could vary based on blast-site, weather and traffic conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.


On weeknights when controlled rock blasting is scheduled, crews will begin narrowing I-17 to a single lane in both directions at 7 p.m. and then fully close the highway after 10 p.m. Drivers should expect delays while crews set up traffic control, and use caution around construction personnel and equipment.

Motorists planning to travel on I-17 during the overnight hours should leave early or delay travel to avoid the closures entirely. Motorists who travel between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. should expect to be impacted by the closures on nights when blasting occurs. Safety is the number one priority when conducting controlled rock blasting operations. The roadway cannot be reopened until the operation is completed successfully and all debris is cleared from the roadway.

Overhead message signs alerting drivers to the upcoming closures will be displayed ahead of the closure areas. These signs will also advise drivers to reduce speeds and prepare for stopped traffic.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is strongly encouraging everyone to stay informed about the weekly overnight full closures. Here’s how drivers can plan ahead:

  • Get real-time traffic conditions at AZ511.gov or by calling 511 (except while driving). You can also download the AZ511 app. Updates about the start of the closures and the reopening of the highway once the blasting and clearing operations are complete will be communicated in real time via AZ511 so drivers know what to expect. Field crews will be coordinating closely with ADOT’s Traffic Operations Center.
  • Drivers can also consult AZ511 if they wish to take an alternate route.
  • To see the dates when controlled rock blasting is scheduled, visit the Traffic Alerts page on the project website, improvingi17.com.
  • Sign up for emailed traffic alerts via the pop-up box on the home page of improvingi17.com so you can plan your trips accordingly.
  • Work crews will provide project information on work zone signage and overhead message boards along the I-17 project corridor.