Crash blocks off eastbound lanes of I-10 in Phoenix tunnel

PHOENIX — Motorists taking Interstate 10 through Phoenix should seek an alternate route before reaching the tunnel due to a rollover crash reported Thursday afternoon.

The Arizona Department of Transportation says a crash near 7th Avenue is blocking off the freeway's eastbound lanes and there's no estimated time when they may reopen. Drivers must exit the freeway at 7th Avenue until the freeway reopens.

Westbound lanes have not been affected by the collision, ADOT said.

Serious injuries have been reported as a result of the I-10 collision, which involved at least five vehicles, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

One of the involved vehicles rolled over during the crash. 

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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.

Deaths on Arizona roadways: 

Data from the Arizona Department of Transportation shows that roadway fatalities have been gradually rising in Arizona over the last decade:

· 2011: 825 deaths

· 2012: 821 deaths

· 2013: 844 deaths

· 2014: 774 deaths

· 2015: 895 deaths

· 2016: 952 deaths

· 2017: 1,000 deaths

· 2018: 1,010 deaths

· 2019: 982 deaths

· 2020: 1,057 deaths