PHOENIX – As drivers make plans for Labor Day travel, the Arizona Department of Transportation has announced no construction closures will be scheduled along state highways over the extended holiday weekend.
To help with travel conditions, ADOT and its contractors will not set any full highway closures from Friday afternoon, Aug. 30, to Tuesday morning, Sept. 3. That includes restrictions for Phoenix-area freeway projects.
Last year, 15 fatal vehicle crashes that claimed 18 lives occurred on all roadways, including local streets, over Labor Day weekend. Six of the fatalities involved alcohol-related crashes, according to law enforcement reports. A total of 13 people died in crashes over Labor Day weekend in 2022.
Safety steps that motorists can take include checking your car’s tire pressure, engine fluid levels and getting adequate rest before starting out on a trip. Packing extra drinking water as part of an emergency travel kit is recommended, especially during Arizona’s summer weather. ADOT provides hot weather driving trips at azdot.gov/severe-weather.
While no highway closures are scheduled, drivers should expect the unexpected, which could include stopped traffic due to disabled vehicles, crashes or events such as wildfires. Delays certainly are possible over the holiday weekend due to heavy traffic during peak travel times, including Friday and Monday afternoons.
Drivers should be prepared to slow down, allow extra time and use caution when approaching and traveling through existing work zones. These include ADOT’s State Route 89A rockfall mitigation project between Flagstaff and Sedona, where traffic is alternating one direction at a time at the Oak Creek Canyon switchbacks.
No matter your destination, be prepared for changing weather conditions including dust storms. Additional safe driving recommendations from ADOT include:
- Arrange for a designated driver or ride service if necessary.
- An emergency travel kit for your vehicle can include extra drinking water and other items such as blankets, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, a fully charged cellphone and charger, snacks and a toolkit.
- Fatigue is a serious safety risk. So taking breaks and getting enough sleep are important.
- Avoid distractions. Don’t text while driving and make hands-free calls.
- Don’t park in areas with grasses and brush. Hot vehicle components could start a fire.
- Don’t let trailer chains drag along the pavement. Sparks could ignite a wildfire.
Since travel delays over the weekend are possible, don’t forget other important items such as prescription medicines. A hat, sunglasses and umbrella – to help with rain or provide shade – also are good items to remember during the summer travel season.
