Phoenix-area freeways: Everything you need to know to get around
Several freeways traverse the Phoenix area, including many state routes that loop around the Valley, providing easy access to the different regions.
The Republic
- Parts of two freeways in the metro Phoenix area were scheduled for closures due to improvement projects.
- Drivers should be aware of detours for sections of Loop 101 and Loop 303 over the weekend.
- Motorists can check for real-time highway conditions on the az511 app or website.
Metro Phoenix motorists hitting the road to enjoy the drop in temperatures over the weekend will need to be on alert for planned road closures.
“A few closures for improvement projects are scheduled along Phoenix-area freeways,” read a statement from the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Glendale police issued a traffic map on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and on Facebook for the Oct. 5 game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium.
Inclement weather or other factors may lead to schedule changes, ADOT said. The department plans and constructs new freeways, additional lanes and other improvements in the Phoenix area as part of the Regional Transportation Plan for the Maricopa County region.
For real-time highway conditions, drivers should check az511.gov, the az511 app or call 511.
Here are the scheduled freeway closures for Oct. 3 through Oct. 6 in the Valley.
Southbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway)
When: 10 p.m. Oct. 3 to 5 a.m. Oct. 6
Where: Between Princess Drive/Pima Road and Shea Boulevard in Scottsdale; also on-ramps at Scottsdale and Hayden roads to eastbound Loop 101
Why: Widening project
Detour: Drivers can take southbound State Route 51 to eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) to reach 101 in the Tempe area; eastbound Loop 101 drivers can exit southbound Scottsdale Road before taking eastbound Shea Boulevard to Loop 101.
Northbound Loop 303
When: 10 p.m. Oct. 3 to 1 p.m. Oct. 4
Where: Between Interstate 10 and Happy Valley Parkway
Why: Pavement sealing
Detour: Northbound and eastbound 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) between I-10 and Interstate 17 was an alternate route; northbound Cotton Lane, Sarival Avenue and other streets were also alternate routes.
Note: Crews will work to reopen northbound Loop 303 in sections as pavement sealing progresses, ADOT said.
Southbound Loop 303
When: 10 p.m. Oct. 4 to 1 p.m. Oct. 5
Where: Between Happy Valley Parkway and I-10 in the west Valley
Why: Pavement sealing
Detour: Westbound and southbound Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) between I-17 and I-10 could be an alternate route; southbound Loop 303 exiting Happy Valley Parkway can also be used as an alternate route by drivers.
Note: Crews will work to reopen southbound 303 sectionally as pavement sealing progresses, according to ADOT.