The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has opened a new southbound lane on Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) between Princess Drive and Shea Boulevard in Scottsdale. The lane became available early Monday, November 10, after crews completed pavement markings and other final work during a weekend closure.
This addition is part of an ongoing $108 million project to widen the freeway, increase capacity, and improve safety along this stretch. Last week, ADOT also opened a new northbound lane within the same 4.5-mile project area.
According to ADOT, “The Loop 101 project between Princess Drive and Shea, which started in January 2024, is set to be completed on schedule early next year. There are now four general purpose lanes and a high occupancy vehicle lane open along both north- and southbound Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive.”
Further improvements have been made as part of the project. These include enhancements at the Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard interchange with upgraded traffic signals and turn lanes; additional turn lanes at Shea Boulevard, Raintree Drive, and Princess Drive/Pima Road interchanges; as well as installation of new signs, traffic signals, and freeway lighting.
A separate short-term initiative is planned for spring to further improve the pavement surface within the current project’s limits.
Funding for the widening comes partly from Proposition 400—a half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004. The effort is scheduled under the Regional Transportation Plan overseen by the Maricopa Association of Governments, which coordinates transportation planning for Greater Phoenix.
More information about this project can be found at azdot.gov/Loop101PrincessToShea. Updates on highway conditions are available through ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at https://az511.gov or via the AZ511 app for Apple and Android devices. ADOT also provides updates through its X feed @ArizonaDOT.
