The first phase of the Interstate 17 improvement project from Anthem Way to Sunset Point has begun.

Construction work at New River Road began Monday, Sept. 26, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. ADOT will maintain one lane in each direction, and interstate access will not be affected at this point.

The New River Road bridge work is expected to last until February. 

State transportation officials said drivers can expect to see changes along the 23-mile corridor as the work zone is established and full construction begins. 

While some construction activities may take place during the day, lane closures along I-17 will occur only during off-peak travel times in either the northbound or southbound direction, depending on the day of the week, according to ADOT.

Most lane closures will occur weeknights from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Lane closures that affect drivers will not be scheduled on weekends and holidays to keep I-17 open. 

The $446 million project to add capacity and reduce congestion along the heavily traveled corridor is expected to take approximately three years to complete.

It includes 15 miles of widening from Anthem Way to Black Canyon City, and the construction of approximately 8 miles of flex lanes from Black Canyon City to Sunset Point, ADOT officials said in a release. 

ADOT Director John Halikowski said the additional lanes are designed to improve safety “and reduce driver frustration by relieving the congestion the current configuration causes.”

ADOT partnered with the Maricopa Association of Governments and the Federal Highway Administration on the project. It has been funded in part by $50 million of Proposition 400 funds, a dedicated sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters, along with state and federal funds, including $40 million in state funding. 

For more details: improvingi17.com.