Attention drivers in Arizona, as you plan your weekend routes, take note of the latest update from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The westbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) will be undergoing closures due to the ongoing widening project between Loop 101 and Val Vista Drive. Those who frequently traverse this route will need to modify their plans accordingly, as westbound Loop 202 will be completely closed between Gilbert and Cooper roads starting from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.
Additional closures will also take effect to accommodate the construction work. According to an announcement by the Town of Gilbert, not only will the main thoroughfare be inaccessible, but also the eastbound Loop 202 HOV lane between Cooper and Gilbert roads. Newly announced closures include the westbound on-ramps at Santan Village Parkway, Val Vista Drive, and Lindsay Road. The westbound frontage road between Lindsay and Gilbert roads will be joining the closure party, too.
The ADOT suggests a detour that involves using alternate routes such as Germann or Pecos roads to Cooper Road to bypass the closures and access the westbound Loop 202 beyond the affected segment. Affected drivers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time during these hours.
Looking ahead, the construction saga continues as additional traffic restrictions loom over the horizon. Starting 9 p.m. Monday, to 5 a.m. Tuesday, westbound Loop 202 will shrink down to three lanes between Gilbert and Cooper roads, and then on Friday, the freeway will taper further to a single lane near Val Vista and Lindsay roads until the early morning of next Saturday. While navigating through these restricted arteries, the westbound Gilbert Road on-ramp and the westbound Val Vista Road on-ramp will also be off-limits, joining the closure fest.
For the well-being of commuters and construction workers alike, a reduced speed limit of 55 miles per hour is being enforced within work zones. In an effort to promote highway safety, drivers are reminded to "Slow down, stay alert and be prepared to merge with caution when approaching and traveling through all work zones," as accessed from the Town of Gilbert's official website. For anyone seeking further details or updates on the Loop 202 Improvement Project, more information is available on the project webpage.
