ADOT sets sequence of I‑17 construction
by Kathleen Stinson

ANTHEM – North Valley residents recently learned more details on upcoming Interstate 17 construction projects.

Arizona Department of Transportation spokesman Tim Tait told those attending ADOT’s monthly meeting, held in the Anthem Community Center, that all scheduled I‑17 projects in the North Valley will be completed by 2010.

Anthem resident Cheryl Kowalski said realistically it will probably take much longer. While she stated she is glad ADOT is widening I‑17, adding one general‑purpose lane both northbound and southbound, she has some concerns about how the process will affect traffic during construction.

“The anticipation of ‘six to seven’ years of road construction” concerns me, Kowalski commented.

Tait responded that a state survey asked residents whether they wanted to stretch out the construction over a longer period of time to minimize the effect on traffic or preferred that ADOT go in all at once and get it all done as soon as possible.

“People preferred we go in fast and hard and get in and get out,” Tait said.

Residents asked ADOT representatives what the department’s plans are for coordinating the construction projects.

Tait related the state is required to keep two lanes open on both sides of the interstate at all times, with minimal closures.

To alleviate congestion, ADOT plans to open one‑way‑only frontage roads to coordinate with the heaviest traffic demand. 

Anthem resident Mary Carlow expressed concern about access in and out of Anthem in case of an emergency, particularly with all the construction closings.

Another Anthem resident, Sandy Dieball, questioned transportation personnel about trash along the highway.

ADOT spokesman Doug Nintzel said the state picks up highway trash on a weekly basis.

“Why does the state allow stuff to blow out the back of the trucks?”  Dieball asked.

Nintzel pointed out it (littering) is against the law, and drivers can note the license plate number of the truck and report it to authorities.

State Sen. Pamela Gorman, R‑Anthem, said Arizona highways have more trash than some other states because there are so many non‑residents and illegal immigrants on the highways who have no ties to the state.

Widening of I‑17 from Carefree Highway to Anthem Way is expected to start in early 2008. 

The first of ADOT’s upcoming projects are the new I‑17/Dixileta Drive and I‑17/Jomax Road interchanges. Construction will start later this spring.

Next in the construction sequence is reconstruction of the interchange at I‑17/Carefree Highway (SR 74), followed by widening of I‑17 from Loop 101 to Jomax Road, widening from Jomax to Carefree Highway, then new interchanges at Lone Mountain and Deer Valley roads, according to ADOT.