Work on a three-year expansion of Interstate 17 north of Phoenix, valued at $ 446 million, is scheduled to begin next year, Arizona’s Department of Transportation. ADOT recently awarded the contract for the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of the extended carriageway to a joint venture between Kiewit Infrastructure West and Fann Contracting. According to DOT, the 23-mile section of I-17 between Anthem Way and Sunset Point carries 1 million travelers a year, with most traffic taking place on weekends. In addition to the road widening and flex lanes, the project includes two bridge replacements, one bridge deck replacement and the widening of 10 bridges. A map of the 23-mile project area to expand and expand Interstate 17 between Phoenix and Flagstaff, Arizona. Drivers would drive through a gate to access the lanes, which are separated from the main highway lanes by a concrete barrier. The two lanes of traffic on a mountainous, winding stretch between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point would carry travelers in one direction, alternating that direction to meet traffic needs. For example, ADOT says, the Flex Lanes could carry heavy traffic north on a Friday or south on a Sunday. They could also be opened in an emergency. I-17 currently has two lanes in each direction and provides a freeway connection between Phoenix and Flagstaff from I-10 to I-40. The 15 mile carriageway between Anthem Way and Black Canyon City would be expanded to four lanes by one additional lane in each direction. Then from Black Canyon City to Sunset Point, the two separate flex lanes would be added to the road heading south. Here is a video rendering by ADOT showing how the flex lanes would work:
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