A pavement improvement project on State Route 51 in Phoenix is set to begin the weekend of March 13-16, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The work will focus on the section between the Interstate 10 “Mini-Stack” interchange and Shea Boulevard.
The project will start with weekend closures as crews remove the top layer of worn asphalt along nearly 10 miles of SR 51. The process includes diamond grinding, a concrete pavement treatment that creates small grooves to reduce tire noise and provide a smoother ride.
Southbound SR 51 will be closed between Cactus Road and Northern Avenue from 9 p.m. Friday, March 13, until 5 a.m. Monday, March 16, for asphalt removal. During this time, drivers are advised to use alternate routes such as southbound Interstate 17. Traffic leaving southbound SR 51 at Cactus Road will be directed west to southbound Seventh Street and eastbound Northern Avenue.
The $17.8 million project is expected to finish in the fall. In addition to weekend closures, there will be weeknight lane and ramp restrictions or closures.
Diamond grinding has already been used on other Phoenix-area freeways including I-10, I-17, US 60, Loop 101 and Loop 202.
According to ADOT, “The SR 51 pavement improvement project is scheduled under the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan and is funded through voter-approved Proposition 479. Funding sources include a half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements in the Phoenix region.”
ADOT manages various facilities such as rest areas and snowplow operations with specialized equipment while also using highway cameras for monitoring (https://azdot.gov/home). The agency’s mission includes safely connecting people and supporting economic growth through its transportation projects (https://azdot.gov/home).
Jennifer Toth serves as director of ADOT, overseeing planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of Arizona’s transportation systems (https://azdot.gov/home). The department works across multiple districts statewide—from Grand Canyon National Airport to southern border ports—and collaborates with regional, state, local and tribal partners on corridor studies and traveler information systems (https://azdot.gov/home).
ADOT provides real-time highway conditions via its Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov and through the AZ511 app for Apple and Android devices. Updates are also available on ADOT’s X feed,@ArizonaDOT. Additional services include motor vehicle support and infrastructure enhancements at airports and ports throughout Arizona (https://azdot.gov/home).
