Driving through I-17 is set to become a watchful affair, as the Arizona Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety station additional troopers along the highway's Improvement Project corridor. These efforts kicked off on Monday and aim to put a stop to speeding and reckless driving behaviors that compromise safety for both travelers and construction crews. The Arizona Department of Transportation announced that the troopers will fully monitor the 23-mile stretch between Anthem Way and Sunset Point, enforcing the 65 mph speed limit set in place since the project's inception in September 2022.

The crackdown comes as ADOT and DPS collaboratively strive to lessen the number of crashes in the work zone. "The message is simple: slow down and pay attention," as stated by the Arizona Department of Transportation . Troopers will patrol north and southbound lanes, with particular scrutiny directed to the Bumble Bee area. Here, they are expected to reduce not only to dissuade unsafe driving but also to facilitate commercial vehicle inspections, adhering to the Arizona Commercial Vehicle Safety Partnership.

This boost in enforcement corresponds with forthcoming infrastructure changes, which will see two 12-hour overnight full closures of southbound I-17 in February for the dismantling of the old Bumble Bee bridge. Concurrently, Bumble Bee Road will close in both directions for about six weeks, a decision carrying significant impact as the road serves as an emergency exit and U-turn point during I-17 incidents. Added patrols in this area will focus on halting hazardous driving behaviors while the usual turnaround options are off the table.

The I-17 corridor efficiency project continues through 2025, promising to remodel a vital artery for state travel and commerce. "The entire 23-mile stretch of I-17 between Anthem Way and Sunset Point remains under construction through 2025," the Arizona Department of Transportation informs. With new lanes opening in phases, the project is to eventually alleviate congestion and bolster safety and traffic flow. For the latest updates on the I-17 Improvement Project and weekly traffic alerts, interested parties are encouraged to visit improvingi17.com. Meanwhile, for real-time highway closures and condition reports, az511.com serves as the go-to resource.