The Arizona Department of Transportation announced on March 12 that two major freeway closures will take place in the Phoenix metropolitan area from March 13 to March 16 as part of ongoing improvement projects. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time and use detour routes during these scheduled restrictions.
The southbound State Route 51 will be closed between Cactus Road and Northern Avenue from Friday night until early Monday morning for the start of a pavement improvement project. On-ramps at Bell, Greenway, and Thunderbird roads will also be closed. Detours include using southbound Interstate 17 or Loop 101 as alternate routes, with heavy traffic expected near the closure. Traffic exiting at Cactus Road will be directed west on Cactus/Thunderbird roads to southbound Seventh Street and eastbound Northern Avenue.
Additionally, westbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) will be closed at Lindsay Road in Gilbert during the same period for a widening project. On-ramps at Williams Field Road, Santan Village Parkway, and Val Vista Drive will also be closed. Detour options include using off- and on-ramps at Lindsay Road or alternate surface streets such as Williams Field, Pecos, or Germann roads to Gilbert Road. Westbound US 60 is also suggested as an alternative route.
Restriction schedules may change due to weather or other factors. These projects are part of ADOT’s efforts under the Regional Transportation Plan for Maricopa County. Most current improvements are funded by Proposition 400, a sales tax approved by voters in 2004, while Proposition 479—approved in November 2024—extends this funding for future transportation projects.
Arizona Department of Transportation manages various facilities including rest areas, snowplow operations with specialized equipment, and highway cameras for monitoring according to the official website. The department aims to safely link individuals and support economic growth through its transportation initiatives according to the official website. Jennifer Toth serves as director of ADOT, overseeing planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of state transportation systems according to the official website.
ADOT’s responsibilities extend across Arizona with highway projects in multiple districts—from Grand Canyon National Airport to southern border ports—according to the official website. The agency works alongside regional, state, local and tribal partners on corridor studies and traveler information systems according to the official website. Services offered include traveler updates via AZ511.gov or app downloads for Apple or Android devices; motor vehicle support; construction oversight; and infrastructure enhancements at airports and ports according to the official website.
