Drivers who travel Interstate 17 at night will need to make plans as the highway will be closed regularly over the next several months, state transportation officials said Monday.

Controlled rock blasting as part of the I-17 improvement project from Anthem Way to Sunset Point is set to start, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The first full closures are scheduled to begin 10-11 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Nov. 30-Dec. 1.

“During the next approximately eight months, the full closures will take place two to three times a week Mondays through Thursdays,” ADOT officials said in a release. 

"Generally, blasting will occur between 10 and 11 p.m.," they said. "However, the window of time for this work to occur is between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

"The start and end time of each closure could vary based on  (the) blast site, weather and traffic conditions or other unforeseen circumstances."

On weeknights when blasting is scheduled, crews will begin narrowing I-17 to a single lane in both directions at 7 p.m. and close the highway after 10 p.m. Drivers should expect delays while crews set up traffic control and use caution around construction personnel and equipment, ADOT officials advise. 

The roadway cannot be reopened until the operation is completed and all debris is cleared, according to ADOT. 

Overhead message signs alerting drivers to the closures will be displayed ahead of the closure areas.