PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Several large freeway improvement projects are set to begin in the Valley this year.
The projects include the first ones funded under Proposition 479, which was approved by Maricopa County voters in 2024, Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) officials said.
Loop 303 between I-17 and 51st Avenue
A $129-million Loop 303 improvement project will start in late January to add direct freeway-to-freeway ramps at the I-17/Loop 303 interchange in north Phoenix.
It’s also expected to widen the Loop 303 to three lanes in each direction from I-17 west to 51st Avenue.
I-10/Loop 101 in the West Valley
Starting in spring 2026, ADOT will begin a roughly three-year project to add an HOV bridge at the Loop 101 and I-10 interchange and widen both freeways in both directions.
Starting in spring 2026, ADOT will begin a roughly three-year project to add an HOV bridge at the Loop 101 and I-10 interchange. Alaina Kwan reports.
ADOT spokesperson Doug Nintzel said the work is aimed at reducing bottlenecks as the West Valley grows.
“It’s going to be very important to make these capacity enhancements and a new HOV-lane bridge, but also widening, giving drivers more room at both freeways at the interchange itself,” he said.
Nintzel noted the stretch near 83rd and 99th avenues is particularly busy.
Loop 202 Santan Freeway
Crews have reached the halfway point on a project that began in 2024 between the Loop 101 and Val Vista Drive to add two lanes in each direction and widen freeway bridges.
Crews have reached the halfway point on a project that began in 2024 between the Loop 101 and Val Vista Drive.
The work has required temporary closures of several on- and off-ramps. ADOT expects 2026 to be a year of substantial progress and estimates completion in spring 2027.
“2026 will be the big year for the progress to be made,” Nintzel said.
ADOT urged drivers to expect delays and exercise patience while the projects are underway.
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