Phoenix motorists, take note: significant closures are slated for the Loop 101 this weekend, which means it's time to map out some detours. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced that as part of their ongoing widening project in Scottsdale, there will be a full closure on southbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) from Princess Drive/Pima Road to Shea Boulevard starting at 10 p.m. on Friday and stretching until 5 a.m. Monday, August 4. Drivers are encouraged, by ADOT, to allow extra travel time and to consider using southbound State Route 51 to eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) as an alternative.
Moreover, if the Loop 101 is a part of your usual route, you'll also need to be aware that the eastbound/southbound on-ramps at Scottsdale and Hayden roads will be inaccessible. To avoid getting caught in a jam, consider exiting the eastbound Loop 101 at Scottsdale Road, then head south to eastbound Shea Boulevard, which should help steer you clear of the construction area.
In Chandler, a more extended inconvenience looms as the westbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) off-ramp at Price Road will be shut down for a full two months, beginning late Thursday night, July 31. This closure, also due to widening works, necessitates rerouting through the ramp at Dobson Road or other nearby alternatives. The ramp is expected to be back in action by late September, as reported by ADOT.
These disruptions are part of the commitments under Proposition 400 and the recently approved Proposition 479, which extends the half-cent sales tax to fund future transportation projects in the region. While these closures might cause short-term headaches, they signify the stride towards long-term improvements in the Phoenix area's transportation infrastructure. Keep updated on the go by visiting ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at AZ511.gov, downloading the az511 app, or simply calling 511.
