I-17 reopens after closure to destroy dynamite

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) -- Interstate 17 in Flagstaff was closed after Arizona Department of Transportation officials said hazardous material was discovered in a shed near the highway.

They say a rancher discovered about 50 pounds of old dynamite on the east side of Newman Park, north of Munds Park.

While no damage was expected to occur to I-17, ADOT officials closed the highway Friday at 5:00 a.m. as a precaution. It re-opened round 7:45 a.m.

Northbound traffic was closed at State Route 179 (milepost 299) and southbound traffic was closed at Kelly Canyon Road (milepost 331). Non-commercial traffic had to detour using State Route 89A.

"The closure is for police activity near I-17 at Newman Park Road where the Arizona Department of Public Safety will be safely disposing of hazardous materials that are best destroyed in place," stated ADOT's David Woodfill.

Arizona milepost map: www.azdps.gov/pau/mileposts.svg

DPS video of the dynamite disposal: http://buff.ly/1Y6eZHr