Actually getting thru phx is not that hard I you dont hit the am/pm rush hours. Ive been the bypass route and it is nothing to brag about. Took us the same as it does just going thru. Just remember like all southern kalif towns ya have to be driving like a nut most times keeping up with traffic. We drove phx on motorcycles at 85 to keep from getting run over, drove 75 from tucson to phx! We drove thru last summer about dark in rain and it was no biggie just watch what you are doing and anticipate the fruits and nuts that are out there just like on any other roadway (dont drive like they do).