The Arizona Department of Transportation has announced weekend closures and lane restrictions for several major metro Phoenix freeways, meaning motorists looking to beat the summer heat and avoid traffic slowdowns should plan ahead.
"Drivers should allow extra travel time and use detour routes as needed for these improvement project restrictions," ADOT officials said in an Aug. 20 travel advisory.
Weather plays a crucial role in the speed and development of improvement projects and is subject to change because of weather developments or other factors.
Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at AZ511.gov, the az511 app or by calling 511.
Here are the freeway closures set for Aug. 21-24.
Eastbound Loop 202 (Agua Fria Freeway)
What: Closure.
When: From 10 p.m. Aug. 21 to 5 a.m. Aug. 24.
Where: Between 51st Avenue and Interstate 17.
Why: Widening project.
Detours: Consider exiting ahead of the closure and using eastbound Bell Road or Union Hills Drive to travel beyond the closure.
Notes: Eastbound Loop 101 on-ramps at 75th, 67th and 59th avenues closed. The eastbound Loop 101 “Texas U-Turn” on-ramp near Union Hills Drive is also closed.
Westbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway)
What: Closure.
When: From 10 p.m. Aug. 21 to 5 a.m. Aug. 24.
Where: Between Lindsay and McQueen roads.
Why: Widening project.
Detours: Consider using westbound Williams Field, Pecos or Germann roads to travel beyond the closure. Westbound US 60 Superstition Freeway is an alternate freeway route.
Notes: Westbound Loop 202 on-ramps at Williams Field Road, SanTan Village Parkway and Val Vista Drive are also closed.
Southbound State Route 51
What: Narrowed to two lanes.
When: From 9 p.m. Aug. 21 to 5 a.m. Aug. 24.
Where: Between Bethany Home and Indian School roads.
Why: Pavement improvement projects.
Detours: Consider using southbound Interstate 17 as an alternate freeway route to downtown Phoenix.
Notes: 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.
Northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway)
What: Closure.
When: From 8 p.m. Aug. 21 to 5 a.m. Aug. 24.
Where: Northbound Loop 101 Price Freeway ramp to westbound Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway.
Why: Pavement improvement project.
Detours: Consider exiting ahead of the ramp closure and using alternate routes, including westbound McKellips Road to southbound McClintock Drive, to connect with westbound Loop 202.
State Route 347
What: Narrowed to one lane in both directions.
When: From 8 p.m. Aug. 21 to 5 a.m. Aug. 24.
Where: Between Casa Blanca Road and Mammoth Way (Cement Plant Road).
Why: For paving.
Notes: Allow extra travel time and be prepared to slow down and merge safely when approaching and traveling through all work zones.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Plan ahead to avoid these weekend Phoenix-area freeway closures
