With flash floods and thunderstorms popping up across metro Phoenix this week, drivers should be prepared when it comes to traveling in poor conditions. But they should also be on the lookout for weekend closures while making their way along major Arizona freeways, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
"Closures are scheduled along several freeways and ramps this weekend," ADOT officials said in a travel advisory. "Drivers should allow extra travel time and use detour routes as needed."
Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information website at AZ511.gov, the az511 app or by calling 511.
Here are the closures scheduled for Aug. 14 through Aug. 17.
Eastbound Loop 101 (Auga Fria Freeway)
What: Closure
When: From 10 p.m. Aug. 14 to 5 a.m.
Aug. 17
Where: Between 75th and 51st avenues
Why: Widening project
Detours: Consider using eastbound Bell Road or Union Hills Drive to travel beyond the closure.
Westbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway)
What: Closure
When: From 10 p.m. Aug. 14 to 5 a.m. Aug. 17
Where: Between Williams Field and Gilbert roads
Why: Widening project
Detours: Consider using southbound Higley Road to westbound Germann Road or using westbound Williams Field Road to travel beyond the closure. Westbound US 60 Superstition Freeway is an alternate freeway route.
Eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway)
What: Closure
When: From 9 p.m. Aug. 14 to 2 p.m. Aug. 15
Where: Between Loop 101 and McKellips Road
Why: Pavement maintenance
Detours: Consider exiting ahead of the closure and using alternate routes. Eastbound Loop 202 traffic can exit to the north- and southbound Loop 101 ramps, but expect delays.
All Loop 101 ramps to east- and westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway)
What: Closure
When: From 8 p.m. Aug. 14 to 5 a.m. Aug. 17
Why: Pavement improvement project
Detours: Consider exiting ahead of the ramp closures and using alternate routes to make a freeway connection.
Southbound State Route 51
What: Narrowed to two lanes
When: From 9 p.m. Aug. 14 to 5 a.m. Aug. 17
Where: Between Bethany Home and Indian School roads
Why: Pavement improvement project
Detours: Consider using southbound Interstate 17 as an alternate route to downtown Phoenix.
Notes: Southbound SR 51 off-ramps at Colter Street/Camelback Road and Indian School Road and the southbound on-ramp at Highland Avenue are closed at times during the weekend. Northbound SR 51 is currently narrowed to two left lanes around-the-clock near Camelback Road for pavement replacement work. Consider using northbound I-17.
Eastbound Loop 303
What: Closure
When: From 10 p.m. Aug. 14 to 5 a.m. Aug. 17
Where: Between 43rd Avenue and Interstate 17
Why: For construction
Detour: Drivers can use northbound 43rd Avenue to eastbound Dove Valley Road to reach I-17 as well as North Valley Parkway.
State Route 347
What: Narrowed to one lane in both directions
When: From 8 p.m. Aug. 14 to 4 a.m. Aug. 17
Where: Intermittently in areas between Riggs and Casa Blanca roads
Why: For construction
Note: Left-turn restrictions are also scheduled at times at Mammoth Way.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona freeway closures could affect your weekend trips
