Phoenix, AZ – A major Loop 101 widening project in the West Valley is set to begin this weekend, bringing over two years of construction-related disruptions for drivers on the Agua Fria Freeway. The $140 million project, aimed at expanding the freeway’s capacity, will add a lane in each direction between Interstate 17 in Phoenix and 75th Avenue in Glendale, a stretch of six miles.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the project is expected to last approximately 2.5 years, with significant traffic impacts throughout the construction period. “We understand it will be tough on residents and drivers, but these improvements are crucial for future traffic flow,” said ADOT spokesperson Doug Nintzel.
In addition to lane expansions, the project will upgrade several bridges along the route, resurface pavement, and enhance freeway lighting. An important part of the project includes adding a third left turn lane on southbound 75th Avenue for drivers entering eastbound Loop 101.
Weekend Traffic Impact
The initial phase of construction begins this weekend with the closure of the eastbound Loop 101 from 75th Avenue to 51st Avenue, from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Drivers will need to detour using the Beardsley frontage road or take eastbound Union Hills Drive to reenter the freeway at 51st Avenue. Similar closures will occur on the westbound Loop 101 during the weekend of Oct. 4-7.
This project, funded by the Prop 400 half-cent transportation sales tax, joins several other major freeway improvement efforts across the Phoenix metro area, including the Loop 101 Pima Freeway in Scottsdale and the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project.
For more updates and detour information, visit the Arizona Department of Transportation’s website.
