PHOENIX – Freeway improvement projects will require closures along sections of Interstate 10, Loop 101 (Pima and Price freeways) and Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) in the Phoenix area this weekend (July 19-22), according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Drivers should allow extra travel time, consider alternate routes and focus on safe driving while the following restrictions are in place (click on map to expand view):

·         Westbound Interstate 10 closed between51st and 67th avenues in west Phoenix from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (July 22) for construction of the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway interchange. Westbound I-10 on-ramps at 27th, 35th and 43rd avenues also closed. Westbound I-10 off-ramp at 43rd Avenue closed for separate widening project. DETOUR: Expect heavy traffic and delays. Please consider alternate routes including westbound and southbound Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) in the West Valley. Local detour routes include westbound McDowell Road or Van Buren Street. Note: Westbound I-10 drivers in the Tucson/Casa Grande region not planning to stop in Phoenix area can avoid closure by detouring on westbound I-8 and northbound SR 85 to I-10 in Buckeye.

·         Eastbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) closed between Seventh Avenue and Seventh Street in north Phoenix from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (July 22) for bridge work as part of freeway widening project. Both I-17 ramps to eastbound Loop 101 also closed, as well as eastbound Loop 101 on-ramps at 19th Avenue, Seventh Avenue and Beardsley Road just east of 27th Avenue. DETOUR: Expect heavy traffic and delays. Alternate routes include eastbound Deer Valley Road or Union Hills Drive. Eastbound Loop 101 traffic exiting at Seventh Avenue can detour along frontage road.

·         Northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) closed between Warner Road and US 60 (Superstition Freeway) from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (July 22) for freeway widening project. All northbound Loop 101 on-ramps between Chandler Boulevard and US 60 closed. Northbound Loop 101 ramps to US 60 closed. Northbound Loop 101 off-ramps at Ray and Warner roads will be open, but expect heavy delays. DETOUR: Traffic can detour along northbound Price frontage road. Alternate routes include northbound McClintock Drive and Dobson Road. Northbound McClintock Drive traffic can connect with westbound US 60, while northbound Dobson Road traffic can connect with eastbound US 60.

·         Eastbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) closed overnight at Power Road in Mesa from 9 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday (July 20), from 9 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday (July 21) and from 9 p.m. Sunday to 5 a.m. Monday (July 22) for pavement maintenance. DETOUR: Traffic will detour along the eastbound off- and on-ramps at Power Road. Alternate routes include eastbound US 60 (Superstition Freeway).

·         US 60 (Superstition Freeway) closed intermittently in both directions (up to 15 minutes each time) between Mill Avenue and Rural Road in Tempe from 2 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday (July 21) for Cox Communications overhead utility line work. DETOUR: AZDPS troopers will slow and hold traffic for rolling closures. Nearby US 60 ramps also will be temporarily closed as needed. Alternate routes include Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway).

If driving during the summer travel season, plan for unscheduled highway restrictions due to disabled vehicles, crashes or debris.

ADOT’s safe summer driving recommendations include:

·         Check your vehicle, including tire pressure and the condition of engine belts, fluids and windshield wipers

·         Get plenty of rest before driving – drowsy driving is a serious safety hazard

·         Be patient – obey speed limits and avoid unsafe passing or following other vehicles too closely

·         Buckle up and never drive while impaired

·         In case of an unscheduled closure and delays, bring extra drinking water, snack foods and emergency items such as a flashlight, medicines and fully charged cell phone.

Please do your part to reduce sparks and fires along highways. Tow chains dragging on pavement cause sparks that can start a fire. Don’t stop your vehicle in areas with dry grass or brush or toss lit cigarettes from a vehicle.

Remember, Arizona has a “Move Over” law that requires drivers to move over at least one lane – or slow down if it is not safe to change lanes – when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights pulled to the side of a road or highway.

Because unexpected delays can occur due to crashes, disabled vehicles and weather, motorists should:

• Pack extra drinking water and snacks
• Get plenty of rest before driving – drowsy driving is unsafe
• Never drive while impaired – arrange for a designated driver or ride service
• Check vehicles, including tire pressure, engine belts and fluid levels
• Be prepared to slow down and use caution in existing highway work zones
• If traveling to the high country, pack an emergency preparation kit in your vehicle that includes cold-weather clothes and blankets

July 12th, 2019  Click Here To Enlarge Map