The future Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway construction is advancing along 59th Avenue in the West Valley.

“The Arizona Department of Transportation is keeping momentum moving forward on the state’s largest freeway project ever, which is the South Mountain Freeway,” spokesman Dustin Krugel said in a press release.

The department has reported that crews have made significant progress on the freeway’s Papago segment between Interstate 10 and Lower Buckeye Road this year.

“Just recently, we just placed the very final bridge girder, these very large support beams, for a new interchange at Van Buren Street,” Krugel said.

Construction crews have also started construction on the 59th Avenue northbound frontage road between Buckeye Road and Van Buren Street.

Two-way traffic has opened on the future southbound stretch in that area until the northbound road is completed.

The department reported that the freeway will include 2.5-mile frontage roads to allow access to businesses and residences adjacent to the freeway between Roosevelt Street and Lower Buckeye Road.

ADOT still recommends drivers use alternate routes in the area as there are still lane closures in place along 59th Avenue. Some closures include 51st and 67th Avenues, until late 2019. Krugel said, “And those are going to continue until the end of the year, when we anticipate being able to move traffic onto the South Mountain Freeway.”

The freeway is expected to be completed in 2020. The loop will be a 22-mile link between the East Valley and West Valley and provide a serve as a needed alternative to Interstate 10 which will allow drivers to detour downtown Phoenix.

ADOT provides highway conditions online, on Twitter or over the phone at 511. Drivers can also get alerts and alternate route notifications via ADOT’s mobile app.