Construction delays and storm activity driving from West Phoenix to California on Memorial Day weekend.

West Phoenix’s population is growing, therefore adding more traffic to I-10. Freeway expansion construction continues into this summer for the first 10 miles within Buckeye city limits.

Photo by author.

A Memorial Day holiday trip to the west coast may turn into a much longer drive. Plan on at least an extra hour of driving due to slow traffic delays and possible accident-causing long standstills. Emergency first responders are not uncommon on this part of the freeway.

Verrado exit is where the construction begins; depending on the time and day, traffic can back up within Goodyear city limits.

Driving west into the hot sun adds tension and impatience for many drivers. And not even monsoon season yet, desert storms are occurring in May.

Long distances between convenience stops because some exits may be closed due to new traffic patterns.

Before leaving Goodyear, prepare the vehicle.

• Tank full of gas.
• Fully charged smartphone.
• Personal-sized bottles of water with an additional sealed gallon…