First, one lane disappears.
Then another.
Before you know it, everyone is trying to merge into the same lane while maintaining a safe distance and figuring out where they are supposed to go.
The signs tell you to move left.
Another sign tells you to move right.
The lane markings appear to have their own plans.
And somewhere ahead, an electronic message board calmly announces:
EXPECT DELAYS
As if anyone needed to be informed.
The traffic has already been stopped for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Look for Your Exit
This is where the real adventure begins.
You know your exit is coming.
You can see it on your GPS.
You can almost feel victory.
But suddenly, construction barriers appear between you and the exit.
Your lane shifts.
The road narrows.
You start wondering whether you should have moved over two miles ago.
Then your GPS speaks:
“Recalculating.”
You continue driving.
A few seconds later:
“Recalculating.”
At this point, the GPS isn’t giving directions anymore.
It is questioning your life choices.
Step 4: Accept That the Cones Are Permanent Residents
Arizona drivers have learned an important truth:
Construction barrels don’t really disappear.
They move.
Today they are on one side of the freeway.
Tomorrow they are somewhere else.
Next week they have somehow returned to the exact place where you saw them six months ago.
They seem to have achieved what many construction projects cannot:
permanence.
You don’t ask:
“When will construction end?”
You ask:
“Which phase are we in today?”
Step 5: Prepare for the Traffic
There are certain things every experienced Arizona driver eventually learns.
Keep an eye on the brake lights.
Watch the lane markings.
Pay attention to construction signs.
Expect sudden merges.
And never assume that the lane you are driving in will still exist five minutes from now.
One moment you’re cruising along.
The next moment, everyone is braking.
A line of cars stretches into the distance.
The desert is wide open on both sides.
But somehow, everyone is trapped in the same tiny section of pavement.
Step 6: Meet the Other Drivers
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