Phoenix drivers face significant freeway closures this weekend, September 20-22, affecting Interstate 10 and U.S. 60. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has issued a travel advisory, urging motorists to plan for detours and potential delays due to ongoing maintenance and widening projects.
Key Takeaways
- Eastbound I-10 will close between the I-17 "Stack" and SR 51 "Mini-Stack" interchanges.
- Westbound U.S. 60 will close from Country Club Drive to I-10.
- Several other freeway sections and ramps will experience lane restrictions or closures.
- Drivers should allow extra travel time and use designated detour routes.
Major I-10 Closure in Central Phoenix
The eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 will be closed for a significant stretch through central Phoenix. This closure begins at 9 p.m. Friday, September 20, and lasts until 5 a.m. Sunday, September 22. The affected area is between the Interstate 17 "Stack" interchange, located west of 19th Avenue, and the State Route 51/Loop 202 "Mini-Stack" interchange, which is northeast of downtown Phoenix.
This weekend closure is necessary for scheduled maintenance work. ADOT advises drivers heading eastbound on I-10 to use southbound I-17 around the downtown area. Motorists can then reconnect with I-10 near Sky Harbor International Airport. This route is designed to help manage traffic flow during the closure.
Fact Check
The I-10 closure spans approximately 5 miles through a crucial urban corridor, affecting thousands of commuters and travelers.
U.S. 60 Westbound Shut Down in East Valley
In the East Valley, the westbound lanes of U.S. 60, also known as the Superstition Freeway, will be closed. This closure extends from Country Club Drive in Mesa to I-10 in Tempe. Like the I-10 closure, this section will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday, September 20, until 5 a.m. Sunday, September 22.
The reason for this closure is pavement maintenance. Additionally, the on-ramps at Stapley Drive and Mesa Drive will also be closed during this period. Drivers needing to reach I-10 from this area are advised to take the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway west. From there, they can transition to the southbound State Route 143 Hohokam Expressway to reach I-10 near the Broadway Curve.
"Drivers should expect significant delays and plan their routes carefully," an ADOT spokesperson stated. "Utilizing our recommended detours will help manage traffic congestion effectively."
Alternative Routes for U.S. 60 Drivers
For those exiting U.S. 60 at Country Club Drive, alternative routes include taking either Baseline Road or Broadway Road west to reach their destinations. These local roads can help bypass the freeway closure, although they may experience increased traffic volume.
Furthermore, ADOT has announced that the eastbound lanes of U.S. 60 in Tempe will be narrowed to three lanes between I-10 and Rural Road. This restriction will be in effect overnight from 9 p.m. Sunday, September 22, to 5 a.m. Monday, September 23.
Background Information
Freeway maintenance and widening projects are common in the Phoenix metropolitan area. These projects aim to improve infrastructure, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for a growing population. Regular closures are part of these efforts.
Additional Closures and Lane Restrictions
Several other sections of Valley freeways will experience partial closures or lane restrictions this weekend, potentially causing additional traffic issues for drivers.
Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway
- The south- and eastbound lanes of the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway will be narrowed to a single lane.
- This restriction is between Vee Quiva Way and 17th Avenue in Phoenix.
- The closure will occur overnight from 10 p.m. Friday, September 20, to 7 a.m. Saturday, September 21.
- This is for pavement maintenance work.
Loop 202 Santan Freeway Widening Project
The Loop 202 Santan Freeway widening project in Chandler will also lead to several closures:
- Westbound lanes will have the right two lanes closed between Gilbert Road and Cooper Road.
- This will happen overnight from 10 p.m. Friday, September 20, to 10 a.m. Saturday, September 21.
- Another closure for the same section is scheduled from 8 p.m. Saturday, September 21, to 10 a.m. Sunday, September 22.
- The westbound on-ramp at Gilbert Road and the off-ramp at Cooper Road will also be closed during these times.
Other ramps affected by the Loop 202 Santan Freeway project include:
- The eastbound Loop 202 on-ramp at Price Road: Closed from 10 p.m. Friday, September 20, to 10 a.m. Sunday, September 22.
- The eastbound Loop 202 on-ramp at McQueen Road: Closed overnight from 10 p.m. Friday, September 20, to 10 a.m. Saturday, September 21.
- The eastbound Loop 202 off-ramp at Cooper Road: Closed overnight from 10 p.m. Friday, September 20, to 10 a.m. Saturday, September 21.
Additionally, some ramps related to this project are already closed and will remain so over the weekend. These include the westbound on-ramp at Arizona Avenue, the westbound off-ramp at Price Road, and the westbound off-ramp at Alma School Road.
Ongoing Long-Term Ramp Closures
Several ramps across the Valley remain closed due to ongoing, long-term construction projects. Drivers should be aware of these persistent closures when planning their weekend travel.
Loop 101 Pima Freeway in Scottsdale
The off-ramp from the southbound Loop 101 Pima Freeway at Raintree Drive in Scottsdale is closed. This is part of a freeway widening project in the area. This specific ramp closure is the final long-term closure for this project. ADOT expects the ramp to reopen in November.
To avoid this closure, drivers can exit Loop 101 at Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. They can then re-enter the freeway at Raintree Drive. This detour helps maintain access to the Raintree Drive area.
Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway in Phoenix
On the Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway in Phoenix, two off-ramps are closed due to another freeway widening project:
- The westbound off-ramp at 67th Avenue.
- The eastbound off-ramp at 27th Avenue.
The 27th Avenue ramp is anticipated to reopen later this month. The 67th Avenue ramp is expected to open in October. These closures are critical for the completion of the widening project, which aims to enhance traffic flow and safety on Loop 101.
Drivers are encouraged to check ADOT's official channels for the most current information regarding closures and detours. Planning ahead can help minimize travel disruptions during this busy construction period.
