Commuters in north Scottsdale should brace for additional travel disruptions as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announces the upcoming closure of a key freeway off-ramp. Starting early Wednesday, July 31, the northbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) off-ramp at Princess Drive/Pima Road is set to shut down for approximately 60 days. This move is a part of the continued expansion efforts along this stretch of the freeway.
The closure is a segment of the larger $108 million Loop 101 Improvement Project that kicked off this January, intending to add one lane in either direction over 4.5 miles north of Shea Boulevard, among other enhancements. As a result, drivers who typically exit at Princess Drive/Pima Road must now seek alternate paths. ADOT suggests using the Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard exit and utilizing the northbound frontage road as a detour. Despite the inconvenience, the subsequent revamp of the off-ramps between Shea Boulevard and Pima Road/Princess Drive is aimed at creating a seamless integration with the freeway's widened expanse, as reported by ADOT.
In light of these changes, ADOT appeals to motorists to plan and allocate extra time for their commutes, advising travelers to moderate their speed and exercise caution while navigating through the construction zone. Those looking for real-time traffic updates can visit ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, download the az511 app, or dial 511 for the latest on highway conditions.
The Loop 101 project enjoys funding from Proposition 400, a half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004. It is with an eye on early 2026 for its completion, promising smoother travels and updated facilities, such as a reconfigured Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard interchange and newer, brighter signage, traffic signals, and lighting for better nighttime visibility.
