The southbound Loop 101 off-ramp at Cactus Road is set for a 60-day shutdown beginning next Monday, part of a freeway widening project aimed at easing future commutes. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is steering locals to exit at Raintree Drive instead, hoping to minimize congestion and keep the traffic from going off the rails.

ADOT's $108 million Pima Freeway Improvement Project launched back in January 2024 and is on track to finish in early 2026, according to ADOT's announcement. Alongside lane additions in both directions between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/Pima Road, there's talk of new and improved features at the Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard interchange. The bill for these changes isn't just coming from taxpayer pockets; Maricopa County voters were on board with a half-cent sales tax, known as Proposition 400, way back in 2004 to fund transportation projects just like this.

If you're looking to keep up with the impacts this closure will have on your daily drive, ADOT's got you covered. You're encouraged to bookmark their Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov or install the az511 app on your Apple or Android device. If old school's more your speed, the 511 call service can also keep you in the know.

With this closure, ADOT reminds those behind the wheel to "slow down and to continue to provide room for traffic entering the freeway while crews work on the widening project."