Freeway improvement projects in the Phoenix area will lead to ramp closures and lane restrictions this weekend, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The agency advises drivers to plan for extra travel time and consider detour routes during the affected periods.
From 2 a.m. Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday, both directions of Interstate 17 between Dixileta Drive and Dove Valley Road in north Phoenix will be reduced to two or three lanes. This work is part of the Loop 303 Improvement Project. Specific ramp closures include the southbound I-17 on-ramp at Dove Valley Road and the southbound off-ramp at Loop 303/Sonoran Desert Drive from 2 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, as well as the northbound I-17 off-ramp at Loop 303/Sonoran Desert Drive from noon Saturday until early Sunday morning. Alternate routes such as the I-17/Dove Valley Road interchange and 43rd Avenue will be available during these times.
Additionally, starting at 10 p.m. Friday, the primary ramp from southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) to eastbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) in Chandler will close for about two weeks due to ongoing improvement work related to the Loop 202 widening project. The HOV lane ramp from southbound Loop 101 to eastbound Loop 202 will remain open with carpool restrictions in place during rush hours. Drivers can use Price Road as an alternate route to access eastbound Loop 202. Eastbound Loop 202 will also be narrowed to two lanes between Price Road and Arizona Avenue from Friday night through Sunday evening, with its on-ramp at Arizona Avenue closed.
ADOT notes that restriction schedules may change because of weather or other factors.
“ADOT plans and constructs new freeways, additional lanes and other improvements in the Phoenix area as part of the Regional Transportation Plan for the Maricopa County region.”
The majority of current improvement projects are funded by Proposition 400, a sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004. In November 2024, voters passed Proposition 479, which extends this half-cent tax for future transportation projects in Phoenix.
“Reminder: Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at AZ511.gov, the az511 app (download for Apple or Android devices) or by calling 511.”
According to ADOT’s official website, it manages facilities such as rest areas and snowplow operations equipped with specialized tools and highway cameras for monitoring purposes (official website). The department aims to connect people safely while supporting economic growth through its transportation initiatives (official website). Jennifer Toth serves as director of ADOT, overseeing planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of Arizona’s transportation systems (official website).
ADOT’s efforts extend across multiple districts statewide—from Grand Canyon National Airport to southern border ports—and involve collaboration with regional, state, local, and tribal partners on corridor studies and traveler information systems (official website). The department also provides services like real-time traveler updates via AZ511 and supports infrastructure enhancements at airports and ports (official website).
