A busy stretch of Interstate 17 will be resurfaced starting next month. Commuters can expect a series of weekend closures.

The work is part of the Arizona Department of Transportation I-17 improvement project between Peoria Avenue and 19th Avenue in downtown Phoenix.

The project started last fall with sidewalk and wheelchair ramp improvements.

The paving will start in mid-march, with a series of weekend closures lasting through early June.

ADOT will start with southbound I-17 before resurfacing the northbound 1-17. The freeway will be closed in three-mile stretches each weekend.

ADOT is advising drivers to expect heavy backups and delays and should consider alternate routes.