Expect to adjust your commute if you're traveling through Gilbert this weekend, as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is set to temporarily shut down the westbound Loop 202 on-ramp at Val Vista Drive. The closure, part of the Loop 202 widening project, will start from 10:00 p.m. Friday and last until 10:00 a.m. Sunday. According to officials, the aim is to safely expedite construction efforts, urging drivers to plan to avoid delays.
During this time frame, travelers will also have to effectively navigate around a lane closure on the Loop 202. Specifically, the right lane on westbound Loop 202 between Val Vista Drive and Lindsay Road is going to be closed. For those needing to access the westbound Loop 202, ADOT recommends using the on-ramp at Lindsay Road as a detour, a move that could easily alleviate some traffic congestion caused by the closures.
In addition to the weekend shutdowns, Gilbert drivers should brace for more restrictions. "The westbound Loop 202 on-ramp at McQueen Road will be closed from 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16," reads the advisory from ADOT. For this specific closure, the suggested alternative is the westbound Loop 202 on-ramp at Cooper Road, offering a substitute route for those disrupted by the construction.
Furthermore, southbound on Arizona Avenue at Loop 202 will face nightly closures. These are scheduled to take place from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., starting Sunday, August 17, and concluding the morning of August 22. In a caution to drivers, ADOT stresses the importance of highway safety, urging them to embrace a slower pace by reducing speeds to 55 miles per hour in work zones for the protection of both the workers and themselves, a reminder that's part of their ongoing commitment to ensure both safety and efficiency in the face of necessary roadway enhancements.
For the latest updates on the Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) project, which will introduce additional closures and restrictions along Loop 101 to Val Vista Drive, traffic participants are encouraged to visit the project's webpage. The authorities have pointed to azdot.gov/L202-L101-to-ValVista for more detailed information. Be sure to check back regularly, as schedules are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen factors.
