Motorists planning to navigate the Phoenix area this coming weekend can breathe a sigh of relief as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced that there will be no freeway closures for improvement projects during November 22-25. However, it's not all clear roads ahead. Specific stretches will see lane restrictions as pavement maintenance and lane markings take center stage.
Travelers journeying south along State Route 51 should expect a narrowing to one lane overnight between Bell Road and Shea Boulevard. This restriction will be in effect from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. starting tomorrow through Tuesday night (November 24-26), as per ADOT’s advisory. Officials are advising drivers to allow extra travel time and caution during the pavement maintenance work.
The Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway), both north- and southbound, will also undergo narrowing in the West Valley. The freeway will be restricted to three lanes at times between McDowell and Thunderbird roads from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. during the same period, tomorrow through Tuesday. The lane marking activities slated for this route are expected to slow traffic. Motorists are encouraged to slow down and merge safely when approaching the work zones and heed any guidance from law enforcement and work crews on the scene.
These schedules, while set, are subject to the whims of weather or unforeseen factors. ADOT ensures that these improvements are a part of the larger Regional Transportation Plan for Maricopa County, largely funded by Proposition 400—a sales tax initiative passed in 2004 by county voters. For those seeking real-time highway conditions, ADOT offers updates via their Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, the az511 mobile app, and by calling 511.
