Commuters in north Phoenix are set to benefit as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has added a second lane to the northbound I-17 off-ramp at Loop 303 and Sonoran Desert Drive. The expansion aims to ease congestion and improve traffic flow during peak travel times.
ADOT crews completed the lane striping ahead of schedule last night, according to ADOT. Temporary barriers that had funneled traffic into narrower lanes were removed earlier this week, marking the near completion of the roadwork that has affected daily commuters.
The new lane is part of a broader transportation plan, paving the way for a larger project set to begin next year that will add direct ramps connecting I-17 and Loop 303. Additionally, Loop 303 will be widened between I-17 and 51st Avenue to improve traffic flow and roadway capacity. Funding for the project comes from Proposition 479, approved by Maricopa County voters and overseen by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG).
The $1.3 million cost for the new exit lane is funded through regional sales tax revenues, with a half-cent from every dollar spent earmarked for addressing transportation challenges in Phoenix’s growing suburbs. ADOT provides regular updates on highway conditions through its Arizona Traveler Information website at az511.gov, the AZ511 mobile app for both Apple and Android devices, and its Twitter account, @ArizonaDOT.
