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Delays expected on SR-87 due to brush fire, ADOT says

The Arizona Department of Transportation said the brush fire has been contained and all lanes have reopened.

FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. — Motorists should expect delays on State Route 87 due to a brush fire that had closed off the route's northbound lanes Friday morning. 

The closure started at the Bush Highway juncture due to a brush fire reported near milepost 209, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. 

ADOT said Friday afternoon all lanes have since reopened and the fire's been contained by the Mesa Ranger District.

RELATED: Lost Lake Fire near Parker grows to 1500 acres; evacuations ordered

RELATED: Tunnel Fire nearing 100% containment as evacuations continue to lift, officials say

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Driving Safety Tips: 

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) offers driving tips to help keep people safe on the road. 

"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website. 

ADOT's suggestions include: 

  • Don’t speed or drive aggressively 

  • Never drive while under the influence of substances 

  • Avoid distractions while driving 

  • Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same 

  • When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over 

  • Stay extra aware in work zones 

  • Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous 

Find more tips on the department's Driving Safety Homepage on ADOT's website here. 

"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said. 

What is the Valley?

“The Valley” is what locals call the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. It is considered the largest metropolitan area in the Southwest.  

The Valley is made up of various major cities other than Phoenix, including:  

  • Mesa  

  • Chandler  

  • Scottsdale  

  • Tempe  

  • Glendale  

  • Surprise  

  • Peoria  

  • Gilbert  

  • El Mirage 

  • Avondale 

  • Litchfield Park 

  • Goodyear 

  • Buckeye 

 

Whether a city is in the “East Valley” or “West Valley” depends on where it is in relation to Phoenix.  

The cities of the Valley have a combined population of 4,845,832 people, according to the 2020 United States Census. This makes it the 11th largest metropolitan area in the country right behind the Boston and Atlanta areas. 

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