Like it or not, summer is the right time to pave highways, ADOT officials say, and restrictions imposed along roads call for extra attention and patience from drivers.
One of Arizona's highways that recently started to get new pavement is Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff, among the busiest routes for Valley motorists this time of year.
ADOT officials said the work is "much needed to repair years of damage from winter weather.
Crews are beginning to repave the highway in a few places around the Munds Park area and south, transportation officials said. Eventually, 29 miles of southbound I-17 from the I-40 interchange down to milepost 312, which is the Coconino County line, will have new pavement.
"We understand that after your weekend getaway to Flagstaff, when you are heading home to either the Valley or points beyond, you’re not going to want to deal with lane restrictions along the way," ADOT officials stated in a release
"But, also remember the rough ride you likely endured in places along I-17 through the Munds Park area down toward the SR 179 junction when heading south from Flagstaff."
A similar project took place a few years ago on northbound I-17 lanes.