Construction is underway to add lanes on I-17 and Loop 303.

PHOENIX — As the Valley’s population increases, so do construction projects on our roads. 

In Phoenix and Peoria, there’s work being done to add lanes and make room for more drivers to hit two major local freeways. The Arizona Department of Transportation’s Doug Nintzel said one of the projects is increasing the number of lanes on I-17 and Loop 303. 

On the northbound I-17 exit at the Loop 303 and Sonoran Desert Drive, lanes are being added. Nintzel said the NB exit ramp at the 303 and Sonoran Desert Drive needs to hold more vehicles. This is phase one of the Loop 303/I-17 project. It started in September.

Nintzel said drivers who use this stretch deal with daily backups. Some of the worst times are during the afternoon rush hour.

“We’re looking to alleviate that by putting in the second lane that exits to Loop 303, and then we look forward to the larger projects that will take place out in the area,” Nintzel said.

One of the larger projects drivers can expect to see nearby is between 51st Avenue and I-17 on the 303. ADOT said the project will put in the direct freeway-to-freeway ramps connecting I-17 and the 303. There’s not an exact start date, but it is expected to begin sometime in the new year. 

A follow-up project to that will be between 51st Avenue to Lake Pleasant Parkway. ADOT said they’ll construct new lanes for the 303 and turn it into what they’re calling a full-fledged freeway.

The I-17 northbound ramp widening project is expected to be done in early 2026. Phase two of the project is expected to be done in mid-2028. That’s the 303 construction between 51st Avenue and I-17. And then phase three will start in late spring of 2026, and is expected to be done in late 2027. That’s the widening of the 303 between Lake Pleasant Parkway and 51st Avenue.

>> For real-time traffic conditions, click here.

ADOT offers driving tips on its website to help keep people safe on the road. 

“There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety,” the department said on its website. 

ADOT’s suggestions include: 

  • Don’t speed or drive aggressively 

  • Never drive while under the influence of substances 

  • Avoid distractions while driving 

  • Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same 

  • When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over 

  • Stay extra aware in work zones 

  • Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous 

Find more tips on the department’s Driving Safety Homepage on ADOT’s website here. 

“Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT,” the department said.