Blasting work, girder installation will result in Interstate 17 delays

Closures of as long as 30 minutes will take place on Interstate 17 Monday night while crews do blasting work at the Big Bug Creek, just south of Cordes Junction.

A news release from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) reported that the blasting work would take place from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday. The closures are necessary to provide a safe work zone.

Drivers also should expect a number of other restrictions while crews remove excess dirt from the median and place concrete girders on the new Arcosanti bridge over I-17. The restrictions include:

• Sunday - The interstate will be narrowed to one lane in both directions overnight between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

• Monday through Thursday - The interstate will be narrowed to one lane in both directions overnight between 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• Tuesday - Drivers on southbound I-17 between 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. will be shifted onto the off and on ramps through the work zone at the Arcosanti bridge over I-17.

• Wednesday - Drivers on northbound I-17 between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. will be shifted onto the off and on ramps through the work zone at the Arcosanti bridge over I-17.

ADOT is encouraging drivers to adjust their schedules in order to avoid the closures during those hours or allow extra travel time.

The work is part of a $50 million project to reconstruct the I-17/Highway 69 traffic interchange.