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Saturday, September 3, 2011

No closures on state highways over Labor Day weekend

If you are among the many Arizonans taking to the road over the Labor Day weekend, the Arizona Department of Transportation wants you to know that you’ll get a break from construction closures along the state’s highways.

No construction closures are scheduled along Phoenix area freeways and state highways over the holiday weekend, including Friday afternoon – when the heaviest traffic conditions are expected. No major restrictions are planned along major highways to the White Mountains, one of the state’s popular holiday weekend destinations.

Some existing work zones will remain in place and drivers are urged to use caution in areas where lane changes may be needed.

Drivers are reminded that their own behavior plays a key role in preventing unscheduled closures due to crashes or other incidents. Eleven people died in crashes on state highways and local roads over the Labor Day weekend last year. Here’s a listing of Labor Day weekend fatal crash figures in Arizona over the past five years:

Year Fatalities Fatal Crashes
2010: 11 killed 9 crashes
2009: 7 killed 5 crashes
2008: 19 killed 14 crashes
2007: 11 killed 10 crashes
2006: 24 killed 17 crashes

In addition to buckling up and never drinking and driving, motorists are urged to obey speed limits and to remain patient while out on the road. Getting a good night's rest before traveling and checking your vehicle, including tire pressure, are other summer driving safety tips.

Before starting out on a trip, drivers are encouraged to check on highway conditions at ADOT's Travel Information site at www.az511.gov or by calling 5-1-1 from within the state.

Visit ADOT's Travel Information site at az511, call 5-1-1 within Arizona,or 1.888.411.ROAD outside the state for current information regarding road conditions statewide.

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