Drivers in the Phoenix area should prepare for significant freeway closures and restrictions this weekend. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is continuing several improvement projects across the Valley. These closures will affect major routes, including Loop 101, Interstate 17, and Loop 202, requiring commuters to plan alternate routes and allow extra travel time.
Key Takeaways
- Eastbound Loop 101 Pima Freeway closes between Cave Creek Road and SR 51.
- I-17 will have lane restrictions near Carefree Highway and Anthem Way.
- Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway closes between I-10 and Thomas Road.
- Westbound Loop 202 Santan Freeway ramp to westbound I-10 is closed.
- Westbound Loop 202 closes at Arizona Avenue.
North Phoenix Traffic Impacts
In north Phoenix, the eastbound Loop 101 Pima Freeway will experience a full closure. This closure extends between Cave Creek Road and State Route 51. It will be in effect from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. This is part of a ramp widening project.
The westbound Loop 101 ramp leading to southbound SR 51 will also be closed during this period. However, the HOV lane ramp will remain open for drivers. Additionally, the southbound Black Mountain Boulevard ramp to southbound SR 51 will be inaccessible.
North Phoenix Detour
Drivers needing to bypass the eastbound Loop 101 closure at Cave Creek Road can use eastbound Union Hills Drive or Deer Valley Road as alternative routes.
Further north, Interstate 17 will see restrictions in both directions. The affected stretch is between Carefree Highway and Anthem Way. This will occur from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Sunday for lane striping work. Overnight closures are also planned for the northbound on-ramp and southbound off-ramp at Carefree Highway.
West Valley Freeway Closures
The West Valley will also face significant disruptions. The Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway will be closed in both directions. This closure spans between Interstate 10 and Thomas Road. It is scheduled from 9 p.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Sunday. Salt River Project crews will be working on overhead powerlines during this time.
Several on-ramps to southbound Loop 101 will be closed. These include ramps at Cardinals Way, Camelback Road, and Indian School Road. Both eastbound and westbound I-10 ramps to northbound Loop 101 will also be closed.
"Drivers in the West Valley should plan for significant delays on Loop 101 this weekend. Consider alternative surface streets to navigate the area effectively."
Alternate West Valley Routes
For those traveling through the West Valley, 91st Avenue or 99th Avenue are suggested as alternate routes to avoid the Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway closure.
In Surprise, a pavement project will affect the southbound Loop 303. The on-ramp at Grand Avenue will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday. Eastbound Grand Avenue will also have restrictions between Deer Valley Road and 163rd Avenue. A detour suggests using eastbound Grand Avenue to westbound Bell Road.
East Valley Roadwork Updates
The East Valley is also impacted by multiple projects. In Chandler, the westbound Loop 202 Santan Freeway ramp to westbound I-10 will be closed. This closure runs from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday for road maintenance.
Drivers have options to navigate this closure. The HOV ramp will remain open, offering an alternative. Motorists can also exit before the closure and use westbound Chandler Boulevard to reach I-10.
Approximately 7.5 miles east, another section of westbound Loop 202 will be closed. This closure is at Arizona Avenue. It will be in effect from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday as part of a widening project.
East Valley Ramp Closures
According to ADOT, the westbound Loop 202 on-ramps at Gilbert, Cooper, and McQueen roads will be closed. Lindsay Road will also be closed in both directions at Loop 202 during this period.
Finally, the eastbound Loop 202 on-ramp at Dobson Road closed from 10 p.m. Friday to 10 p.m. Sunday. Drivers can consider entering eastbound Loop 202 at Alma School Road instead.
These widespread closures mean that drivers across the Phoenix metropolitan area should consult ADOT's website for the latest information and plan their journeys well in advance to avoid significant delays.
