One adult killed, several children hurt when van rolls on I-17

Unfortunately, I drive I-17 too much living in S. AZ!! It is the main route from Phx (I-10) to Flagstaff/Grand Canyon/UT/I-40. And, with all the growth in Phx/Prescott/Sedona/Cottonwood/Camp Verde/etc. has gone from a scenic highway to the Interstate that everyone hates to drive these days!! Hilly (several long 8% grades), winding, heavy traffic make it bad for both trucks & 4-whlrs. Both are in each other's ways----many vacationers take it and become dangers to the everyday truckers who use it regularly...
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There is an Alternative to using I-17 out of Phoenix if you are going to pick up I-40 going East.

Take I-10 to I-202 East to US87 North (Country Club Road Exit) US-87 to AZ-260 in Payson. Go East on AZ-260 to AZ-377, then AZ-377 to AZ-77 through Holbrook and connect with I-40 East.

US87, also called the Bee Line Highway by the locals is a 4 lane divided highway with several 6% 2-3 mile hills to climb. The distance from I-202 to AZ-260 is about 80 miles.

AZ-260 takes you through Heber and is a mixed 2 lane/4 lane with one 5 mile long 6% uphill grade. (Approx. 60 mles) AZ-377 is 36 miles of relatively flat slightly downhill straight-as-an-arrow 65 mph road with two 55 mph curves stuck in the middle. (slightly bent arrow)

AZ-77 through downtown Holbrook from AZ-377 is 10 miles to I-40.

Distance is 40 miles less than going I-17 North to I-40.

Amount of fuel used - exactly the same.

Amount of time - exactly the same.

No Temporary scales set up as they frequently do on I-17 in the rest areas on both sides.

Lots of local yokels, County Mounties and State Troopers enforcing speed limit.

Very light traffic EXCEPT:
Do not use on Friday afternoon from May through October as all the "valley" residents are heading up into the campgrounds, recreational areas and lakes with their boats, Off Road Vehicles and Campers.

Try to get through Heber before it gets dark enough to have to turn your headlights on. There are numerous 1200 lb. Elk that own the entire road between Payson and Heber after that time.

 

Actually, if going East to Albq, et al, that is the paid miles route!! I take it if Flag snowed out & White Mtns/Mogollon Rim is open. Also, the summer vacationers (RV'ers) do fill up the roadways, but also in winter---that's how the Phx-ites get to Apache Sunrise to go snow skiing!! At nite, you got 70 miles of 'Watchout for Elk' signs too to worry about!!