No construction closures over Labor Day weekend

Good news for Arizona drivers over the Labor Day weekend - no construction closures will be scheduled over the holiday weekend, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

That includes Friday afternoon, when thousands of people traditionally head to the high country for the three-day weekend.

While there are no scheduled closures this weekend, drivers are asked to be aware of existing project work zones around the state. Those include a widening project on Interstate 10 west of Phoenix and Interstate 17 expansion projects north of Phoenix. An I-10 work zone also is in place between Phoenix and Tucson in the Picacho Peak area.

“We’ve worked with our contractors to give drivers a break from construction closures," said ADOT Director John Halikowski.

"Now we need drivers to do their part by slowing down, paying attention and driving safely.”

ADOT has joined the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and the Department of Public Safety in urging drivers to be extremely careful while on state highways and local roads this weekend.

DPS officers will target suspected drunk drivers and other unsafe driving behaviors along state highways, with a concentrated effort along I-10.

Stressing its “Drive Hammered, Get Nailed” slogan, GOHS is working with police agencies on special task force patrols to arrest drunk drivers across the state.

Labor Day Weekend was the deadliest holiday weekend of 2008, according to a news release issued by Lucy Shipp, Yuma-area spokeswoman for ADOT. A total of 19 people were killed in 14 fatal crashes across the state over the three-day weekend last year.

Drivers with plans to drive to and from Las Vegas should allow extra travel time due to traditionally heavy traffic at Hoover Dam.

ADOT and law enforcement agencies throughout the state are asking drivers and passengers to buckle up and observe the following safe driving tips:

• Allow extra travel time and be patient; avoid distractions

• Observe speed limits, including lower speeds in work zones

• Check your vehicle before traveling, including tire pressure

• Be prepared for unscheduled closures; bring extra supplies, including water

• Get a good nights rest before driving

• Never drink and drive; think ahead and arrange a designated driver

Drivers can get the latest information about highway restrictions via ADOT’s travel information site at www.az511.gov or by calling 5-1-1.