Travelers in the Phoenix metropolitan area should prepare for significant freeway closures this weekend. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has scheduled maintenance work on Interstate 10 (I-10) and U.S. 60, impacting downtown Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. Additionally, lane restrictions will affect sections of Loop 202 in Ahwatukee and Gilbert.
Key Takeaways
- Eastbound I-10 will close near downtown Phoenix from Friday night to Sunday morning.
- Westbound U.S. 60 will close in Tempe/Mesa from Saturday night to Sunday morning.
- Loop 202 South Mountain and Santan freeways will have overnight lane restrictions.
- Drivers should plan for detours and potential travel delays.
Downtown Phoenix I-10 Closure
The eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 will be closed between the I-17 "Stack" interchange and the State Route 51 (SR 51) "Mini-Stack" interchange. This closure is necessary for essential maintenance and inspection activities.
The work is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. on Friday and conclude by 5 a.m. on Sunday. This impacts a critical stretch of freeway that runs through the heart of downtown Phoenix.
Important Fact
The I-17 "Stack" interchange connects I-10 with I-17, while the SR 51 "Mini-Stack" interchange links I-10 to SR 51. These are major intersections in the Phoenix freeway system.
ADOT recommends that drivers heading eastbound on I-10 use southbound I-17 as a detour. Travelers can then reconnect with I-10 at "The Split" interchange, located near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This route will help drivers bypass the closed section.
Westbound U.S. 60 Closure in Tempe and Mesa
Further east, the westbound lanes of U.S. 60 will experience a closure between Country Club Drive and Interstate 10. This section is undergoing pavement maintenance, a crucial step to ensure road safety and longevity.
This closure will be in effect from 9 p.m. on Saturday until 9 a.m. on Sunday. It will specifically impact those traveling through the Tempe and Mesa areas over the weekend.
"These closures are part of ongoing efforts to maintain and improve Arizona's freeway system," an ADOT spokesperson stated. "We urge drivers to plan ahead and use caution in work zones."
Drivers should expect delays and consider alternative routes if their travel plans include this segment of U.S. 60 during the specified hours. Local streets may experience increased traffic volume as drivers seek detours.
Loop 202 Lane Restrictions
In addition to the full freeway closures, ADOT is conducting work on the Loop 202 South Mountain and Santan freeways. This will lead to overnight lane restrictions in the Ahwatukee and Gilbert areas.
South Mountain Freeway Restrictions
The Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway will be narrowed to a single lane overnight. This restriction will be in place between Vee Quiva Way and 17th Avenue. The work is scheduled from 10 p.m. on Friday until 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Background Information
The South Mountain Freeway, a 22-mile stretch, opened in 2019. It provides a bypass route around the downtown Phoenix area, connecting I-10 at each end of the Valley.
Drivers using this section during these hours should anticipate reduced speeds and potential backups. This area is a key connection for many commuters and travelers.
Santan Freeway Lane Reductions
On the Loop 202 Santan Freeway, two right lanes will be closed between Gilbert Road and Cooper Road. Crews are working to widen this section of the freeway, a project aimed at improving traffic flow in the long term.
The lane closures will occur during two separate periods:
- From 10 p.m. on Friday until 10 a.m. on Saturday.
- Again from 8 p.m. on Saturday until 10 a.m. on Sunday.
These intermittent closures will affect weekend travel in the Gilbert area. According to ADOT, these improvements are part of a larger plan to enhance regional mobility and reduce congestion.
Planning Your Weekend Travel
ADOT advises all drivers to check the latest traffic conditions before departing. Information is available on the ADOT website and through traffic alert apps. Planning alternative routes and allowing extra travel time are recommended.
Overnight work zones often involve reduced speed limits and active construction crews. Drivers should exercise increased caution and remain alert when passing through these areas to ensure safety for themselves and for workers on the road.
These projects are crucial for maintaining the integrity and capacity of Arizona's freeway system. While they cause temporary inconvenience, they contribute to safer and more efficient travel in the long run.
