The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has opened a new northbound lane on Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive in Scottsdale. This development is part of an ongoing $108 million project aimed at improving traffic flow along the freeway.
According to ADOT, crews worked over the weekend to install new lane stripes and remove barricades before opening the additional lane early Monday morning. The section now features four general purpose lanes and a high occupancy vehicle lane for northbound traffic between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/Pima Road.
A similar expansion is planned for southbound Loop 101, with a new lane scheduled to open after a closure from November 7 to November 10 in the same area.
“The Loop 101 Improvement Project started in Jan. 2024. The two-year project is set to be completed on schedule by early next year,” ADOT stated.
The department also announced that another short-term project will begin in spring to improve pavement within the current work zone limits.
In addition to widening the freeway, crews have made several related improvements, including enhancements at major interchanges such as Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, Shea Boulevard, Raintree Drive, and Princess Drive/Pima Road. These upgrades involve new traffic signals, turn-lane additions, updated signage, and improved freeway lighting.
Funding for this project comes partly from Proposition 400—a half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004. The initiative is part of the Regional Transportation Plan overseen by the Maricopa Association of Governments, which coordinates transportation planning for Greater Phoenix.
For more information about this project, visit azdot.gov/Loop101PrincessToShea. Updates on highway conditions are available at az511.gov or through the AZ511 app for Apple and Android devices. ADOT also provides updates via its X feed @ArizonaDOT.
