On the evening of Feb. 8, work will begin on large new construction project. Loop 101 will expand to include new lanes between Scottsdale’s Pima Road and the I-17 interchange. With the beginning of the project, the eastbound lanes between I-17 and 7th Street will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday night until 5 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 11.

There will also be ramp closures during this time. No one will be able to use either I-17 ramp to eastbound Loop 101 or the Loop 101 on-ramp located at 27th Avenue.

The closure will allow for temporary barriers to be placed and lane-stripes to be adjusted.

ADOT recommends drivers consider taking different routes to avoid delays. These alternate routes include Bell Road, Union Hills Drive, and Deer Valley Road. ADOT also explains the detour that drivers can take on Loop 101. Eastbound Loop 101 traffic can exit at 27th Avenue and follow the Beardsley frontage road. At Seventh Street, drivers can get back on Loop 101.

The $185 million project is being planned to alleviate traffic in the area. During the morning and evening weekday commutes can become very congested on the Pima Freeway. The addition of lanes should help to decrease some of this congestion.

There are a number of elements that are a part of this project, starting with the addition of lanes in both directions between Pima Road and I-17. In addition to the general purpose lanes, the project will also add one auxiliary lane in both directions between Seventh Street and Cave Creek Road.

This project will do more than just add lanes. An overpass will be constructed where the Miller Road alignment will someday be located. Ramps and frontage roads will also see improvements as a part of this project. The project will also encompass noise and retaining walls, drainage improvements, and pavement improvements.

Currently, the project is slated to be completed by early 2021, barring any delays due to weather or other issues.