An Arizona Department of Transportation project started April 30 to deliver a smoother driving surface along 28 mi. of northbound Interstate 17 leading to Flagstaff, a stretch battered by repeated cycles of freeze and thaw during the winter.

In addition to replacing pavement north from the Coconino County line at milepost 312, the $24.4 million project will rebuild 2 mi. of the heavily traveled interstate between mileposts 312 and 314.

Crews placed concrete barriers along the interstate between mileposts 312 and 314 in order to start rebuilding the right lane. The highway will first be narrowed to the left lane northbound through the work zone. After the right lane has been reconstructed, crews will rebuild the left lane. This one-lane restriction will stay in place until mid-summer.

A 12-ft. vehicle-width restriction will be in place as well as a lowered speed limit throughout the lane restriction.

Drivers can expect other restrictions as crews replace pavement along the other 26 mi. of northbound I-17. Those heading to Flagstaff this summer should budget extra travel time.

The project also includes replacing the bridge decks in each direction on the I-17 overpass at Willard Springs Road, near milepost 326. Drivers can expect periodic closures of Willard Springs Road and ramp closures.

The majority of the work is expected to be completed later this fall, with additional work happening next spring.

ADOT is improving pavement along 182 lane mi. of Interstate 40 and Interstate 17 in the Flagstaff area, addressing deterioration caused by snow and snowplowing, freeze-thaw cycles and heavy use by commercial vehicles. In addition, ADOT is replacing the I-40 bridge decks over I-17 and Beulah Boulevard at the I-40/I-17 interchange in Flagstaff.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/projects.