News Summary
The Arizona Department of Transportation anticipates heavy traffic for Memorial Day weekend, with over 970,000 residents expected to drive more than 50 miles. Despite this surge, there will be no freeway closures in the Phoenix area. Drivers are advised to plan ahead for busy travel times, especially on Friday and Monday afternoons. With recent improvements on the Interstate 17 and expected high temperatures, travelers should remain cautious and stay updated on road conditions to ensure a safe holiday.
Phoenix – Memorial Day weekend in 2025 is expected to bring heavy traffic to Arizona, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). From May 23 to May 26, travelers will experience busy highways with more than 970,000 residents anticipated to drive over 50 miles from home during this holiday period.
Despite the expected traffic, ADOT has confirmed that there will be no freeway closures or significant restrictions on Phoenix-area freeways during the holiday weekend. Motorists should prepare for peak travel times, particularly on Friday and Monday afternoons, and are advised to leave early to avoid delays.
As traffic swells, ADOT emphasizes the need for drivers to remain cautious and vigilant, especially in work zones such as the Interstate 17 Improvement Project area, where road enhancements are underway between Anthem Way and Sunset Point. To facilitate smoother traffic flow, ADOT has recently opened a third lane in both directions on I-17 between Anthem Way and Black Canyon City. This expansion is a part of a larger $522 million improvement initiative aimed at reducing congestion along a critical 23-mile stretch of the interstate.
Typically, this section of I-17 accommodates up to 60,000 drivers daily, with notable congestion occurring on weekends and holidays as residents escape the heat of Phoenix. Travelers heading north from the West Valley are advised to consider alternative routes, such as taking U.S. 60 west to State Route 89 north. Vehicles from the East Valley can utilize State Route 87 to Payson, where they can then switch to State Route 260 to connect with I-17.
Fuel prices may also influence travel plans, as the national average gas price hovers around $3.20 per gallon, while in Arizona, it is slightly higher at $3.38 per gallon, ranking it among the more expensive states for gasoline.
Motorists should allow for extra travel time during peak hours. Furthermore, they should be prepared for potential unexpected highway closures due to crashes, breakdowns, or wildfires. ADOT has assured that there are no closures related to construction or maintenance planned for the Phoenix area during Memorial Day weekend.
The weather forecast for the holiday weekend remains consistent with seasonal trends in Phoenix, with temperatures expected to range from 100 to 104 degrees on Friday, tapering off to the mid-90s to low 100s throughout the weekend. Rain is not anticipated, as dry conditions are typical for this time of year in the region.
As the holiday approaches, travelers are encouraged to stay informed about road conditions and be mindful of the increased volume of traffic in order to enjoy a safe and pleasant Memorial Day weekend.
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Additional Resources
- AZCentral: Arizona Interstate 17 Traffic Easement
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
- ABC15: I-17 Opens Third Lane for Memorial Day Weekend
- Google Search: Arizona Memorial Day traffic
- KTAR: Memorial Day Weekend Traffic 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Traffic
- Travel and Tour World: Holiday Travel Destinations
- Google News: Memorial Day weekend 2025
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
