After a temporary shutdown caused by a hit-and-run crash, westbound lanes on Loop 202 at Scottsdale Road in Tempe are once again open to the flow of traffic. The lanes were sealed off on July 20 following an incident that, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation, involved two vehicles. The closure, which began around 2:30 p.m., came to an end approximately two hours later at 4:15 p.m., as 12News reported.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety confirmed that at least one person was injured in the collision. Commuters were forced to quickly alter their routes, being diverted off the freeway at the Scottsdale Road exit. This rerouting significantly compounded traffic issues as there was a simultaneous closure of westbound Interstate 10 between US 60 in Tempe and Interstate 17 in Phoenix south of Sky Harbor International Airport, along with the southbound Loop 101 between Loop 202 and US 60.
The disruptions come against a backdrop of significant sporting events. The confluence of closures and detours coincided with the WNBA All-Star game in downtown Phoenix, an event drawing sizable crowds from the East Valley and adding to the road congestion. FOX 10 Phoenix indicated the influx of visitors to the game was particularly affected by the delays.
For those seeking to navigate the maze of rerouted traffic, the Arizona Department of Transportation advised drivers to check real-time road conditions before departing on AZ511.gov, or by using the AZ511 app, or calling service number 511. Updated information was pivotal for drivers attempting to find their way around the closed sections of the freeway and reach their destinations with minimal further disruption.
