Phoenix drivers can breathe a sigh of relief this weekend as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced there will be no full freeway closures in the area from Aug. 8-11. However, several ramp and street shutdowns are on the books due to ongoing freeway improvement projects. For those looking to navigate around the construction-induced detours, ADOT has provided a list of closures and alternate routes to help keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible.
The work causing these disruptions is part of a regional effort to improve roads and infrastructure. The Westbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) off-ramp at Arizona Avenue will be shut down from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday, meaning drivers will need to plan to exit at McQueen or Alma School roads instead. Eastbound Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) will also see its ramp to I-17 closed overnight Sunday, with ADOT suggesting that travelers exit at 35th Avenue and use Deer Valley Road or Union Hills Drive to reach I-17. In Scottsdale, Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard will be closed in both directions at Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) starting 9 p.m. Friday and reopening at 8 a.m. Saturday.
In a statement obtained by ADOT, the organization notes that their schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather or other factors. Additionally, these improvements, though they may cause temporary inconveniences, are largely supported by Proposition 400—a dedicated sales tax Maricopa County voters originally approved in 2004. Proposition 479, passed last November, extends this tax to fund future transport projects in the Phoenix region.
For those wanting to actively avoid traffic headaches, ADOT advises checking real-time highway conditions available on its Arizona Traveler Information site at AZ511.gov, through the az511 app, or by calling 511. This measure provides an up-to-date look at the roadways, allowing travelers to chart a course that avoids construction zones and to seamlessly continue their weekend plans. Keeping Phoenix moving is the goal, and with handy detours and timely information, ADOT strives to make sure weekend travel is less of a chore and more of a breeze for drivers traversing the city's freeways.
