What is Risk Analysis in the Context of Travel Risks
This report assesses the risks of planned transportation disruptions. The analysis helps organizations prepare for potential operational challenges related to employee mobility, customer access, and supply chain integrity. It is a critical tool for ensuring business continuity and operational resilience during scheduled infrastructure events.
Executive Summary
- Date of Incident: 20 September 2025
- Location: Scottsdale, Chandler, Phoenix Valley area, Arizona, United States
- Risk Category: Travel Risks
- Severity Score: 3/5
- Confidence Level: 95%
A significant multi-day freeway closure event is scheduled for the Phoenix Valley area from Friday, September 19, to Monday, September 22. This planned infrastructure maintenance is anticipated to cause widespread traffic disruption across major routes. The confluence with concurrent events, such as a high-security memorial service, further complicates the risk profile. Businesses should prepare for workforce mobility challenges, supply chain delays, and potential impacts on customer access over the weekend and into the start of the next work week.
Known Hotspots and Sensitive Areas
- High Impact Zones: Sections of I-10, I-17, Loop 101, Loop 202, and SR 143 are expected to be affected. The vicinity of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is particularly sensitive due to closures on SR 143 and sections of I-10.
- Sensitive Areas: Downtown Phoenix will also be significantly affected by I-10 and I-17 closures. The high-security Charlie Kirk memorial service will likely be impacted, potentially near a major stadium.
Impact on Transportation and Services
- Travel & Mobility: Extremely high impact, leading to widespread and severe traffic congestion, extended travel times, and disrupted public transport.
- Business Operations: Significant impact on employee commutes, customer access, and daily business functions, particularly for those reliant on timely deliveries or physical foot traffic.
- Supply Chain & Logistics: Significant delays for local and regional freight movement, affecting delivery schedules for goods and services across the Phoenix metro area.
- People Safety: Indirect risk of delays to emergency services and increased potential for minor accidents on congested detour routes.
Recommended Actions
- Implement a flexible work and commute strategy: Advise all personnel on the specific freeway closure details. Encourage remote work or implement staggered shifts for essential on-site staff.
- Proactively manage supply chain and service delivery: Immediately contact key suppliers and logistics partners to confirm potential delays. Explore rerouting options and adjust delivery windows outside of peak closure times.
- Establish robust internal and external communication: HR and Operations should disseminate critical internal updates. For external stakeholders, develop pre-approved communication templates to inform clients and partners about potential service disruptions.
- Review and adjust business operations and appointments: Reschedule non-essential appointments or pivot to virtual meetings where possible to maintain business continuity during the disruption.
Emergency Contacts
- Police (Non-emergency): 262-6151
- Fire Department (Non-emergency): 262-6284
- Ambulance (Non-emergency): 262-6284
- National Emergency: 911
Final Thoughts
The baseline scenario anticipates freeway closures proceeding as planned, with significant but manageable traffic congestion. A moderate escalation could see concurrent events, such as a moderate weather system or increased traffic for the memorial service, exacerbating the planned closures, leading to widespread and prolonged delays. A severe escalation is a low-probability event where a major unforeseen incident leads to transportation paralysis, potentially overwhelming emergency services and jeopardizing public safety.Stay ahead of operational risks with real-time alerts, scenario modeling, and expert advisories with datasurfr’s Predict. Start your 14-day free trial of Datasurfr’s Risk Intelligence Platform today.