New Third Lane Opening on Interstate 17 Traffic Expansion

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Construction crews continue work on the new lane opening on Interstate 17, aimed at easing traffic congestion.

News Summary

A new third lane in both directions of Interstate 17 between Anthem Way and Black Canyon City will open on May 22, ahead of Memorial Day weekend. This expansion is part of a $522 million project aimed at easing traffic congestion for the 60,000 daily drivers traveling this route. Key improvements include widening 15 miles of roadway and constructing innovative flex lanes. The project aims to enhance traffic flow and reduce travel delays during peak times.

PHOENIX – A new third lane in both directions of Interstate 17, spanning between Anthem Way and Black Canyon City, will officially open on May 22, just ahead of the busy Memorial Day weekend. This expansion aims to ease heavy traffic congestion frequently experienced on this stretch of highway during holidays and weekends.

The new lane is part of a significant $522 million improvement project on I-17, which commenced in 2022. The overall project focuses on enhancing traffic flow on a 23-mile stretch of the interstate, addressing the needs of the approximately 60,000 daily drivers using this route. With heavy traffic often noticeable as travelers head from Phoenix to cooler destinations in Flagstaff and other nearby areas, the upcoming improvements are intended to facilitate smoother vehicular movement.

Key components of the I-17 improvement project include:

Widening 15 miles of roadway
Replacing two bridges
Widening ten additional bridges
Constructing eight miles of flex lanes

Flex lanes represent a modern, innovative two-lane system capable of switching directions based on current traffic conditions. This strategic design will primarily allow northbound traffic on weekdays and Saturdays while accommodating southbound traffic on Sundays, thereby adapting to fluctuating demand.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the section of I-17 between Anthem Way and Sunset Point often experiences traffic delays. A trip from Phoenix to Flagstaff typically takes around two-and-a-half hours, and this route can become significantly slower during peak travel times, especially on weekends and holidays. For drivers exploring alternative pathways heading north from Phoenix, options vary in duration:

From the West Valley: An alternative route via U.S. 60 west to State Route 89 north to Prescott, then State Route 69 south and finally State Route 169 to reach I-17 totals approximately four hours.
From the East Valley: Taking State Route 87 north to Payson, followed by State Route 260 west to I-17, usually takes around three and a half hours.

Crews will continue working on the flex lanes and bridge enhancements over the coming months, with expectations to complete the entire project by the end of this year. Around this time, traffic flow will undergo modifications, as northbound vehicles will shift into the newly established flex lanes to enable further construction efforts. This marks the state’s first foray into establishing a flex lane corridor.

Safety remains a priority, with a speed limit of 65 mph, with occasional reductions to 55 mph, enforced throughout active work zones. Vehicles will move to flex lanes using crossover paths established at Coldwater Road, with plans allowing them to return to general-purpose lanes at Sunset Point.

Throughout all construction and closure activities, emergency responders will maintain access to the area, ensuring rapid assistance if needed. While the project aids in addressing long-standing traffic challenges, concerns have emerged among local residents regarding potential detours and increasing traffic issues in surrounding neighborhoods during the construction phase.

The opening of the third lane on I-17 is expected to provide significant benefits as the Memorial Day holiday approaches—an essential development for both daily commutes and holiday travel in Arizona.