Drivers who frequently navigate the Santan Freeway will need to brace for a series of closures and lane restrictions starting this weekend, as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) embarks on the Loop 202 widening project. According to a Gilbert municipal announcement, the westbound stretch between Loop 101 and Val Vista Drive is set to be narrowed down to two lanes from 10:00 a.m. Friday through to 5:00 a.m. on Monday for pavement removal and work on replacements.
Those planning to use the westbound Loop 202 during the weekend of March 29-30 should anticipate the road to be fully shut down between Alma School and Dobson roads. This closure is scheduled to take place from 11:30 p.m. on Saturday until noon on Sunday. Also, the eastbound HOV lane on Loop 202 will be out of commission between Dobson and Alma School roads during this time. Commuters are recommended to use promptly to exit promptly before hitting the closure, using alternative routes, such as Pecos or Germann roads, to bypass the construction work.
Another expected disruption will affect the Arizona Avenue with its northbound lanes at the Loop 202 interchange closing from 9:00 p.m. Saturday, until 5:00 a.m. the following day. The southbound lanes will similarly be impacted the next night, from Monday at 9:00 p.m. to April 1 at 5:00 a.m. The good news is these are all short-term inconveniences, expected to clear up quickly after the work is done.
For those looking to enter the eastbound Loop 202 at Gilbert Road, note that the on-ramp will go out of service starting 11:30 p.m. on Monday and won't be available for about 60 days due to ramp reconstruction. Anyone needing to access the freeway can opt to use the eastbound on-ramps at Cooper or Lindsay roads instead. This closure will indeed present a bit of a detour hassle, but it's all in the name of progress, as ADOT says.
Concerning highway safety, ADOT implores drivers to adhere to the reduced speed limit of 55 miles per hour within work zones. This measure aims to protect both the drivers and the workers on-site. Slow down, stay alert, and be prepared to merge cautiously when approaching and traveling through all work zones," is the safety mantra repeated by the town's advisory. These restrictions are only part of a bigger picture, as the Loop 202 widening project is expected to bring forth more closures and restrictions. To keep up-to-date with the latest news on this infrastructure improvement, travelers are advised to visit ADOT's project webpage for details.
