Grand Canyon Times

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced a temporary closure affecting northbound State Route 143 between Interstate 10 and Loop 202, known as the Red Mountain Freeway. The closure will take place from 10 p.m. on Friday, February 14, until 4 a.m. on Monday, February 17. During this period, the I-10 ramps leading to northbound SR 143 will also be closed.

Additional closures include the northbound SR 143 on-ramp at University Drive and northbound 48th Street between Broadway Road and I-10. These closures will occur from 8 p.m. on Friday, February 14, to 4 a.m. on Monday, February 17.

For those traveling westbound on I-10, ADOT recommends using westbound I-10 to eastbound Loop 202 to access southbound SR 143. Eastbound travelers should use eastbound I-10 to eastbound US Route 60, then proceed via northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) to westbound Loop 202 for access to southbound SR 143.

Motorists heading towards Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport via southbound I-17 or westbound routes are advised to utilize westbound I-10 for airport entrances at either 24th Street or Buckeye Road. Alternatively, they can use the Sky Harbor Boulevard entrance from Loop 202.

ADOT emphasizes the importance of using designated detours during state highway closures and notes that schedules may change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. Travelers are encouraged to download TheCurve app or visit the project website's Alerts section for current information.

This closure is part of the larger I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project outlined in the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan. Funded by a half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters through Proposition 400 in 2004, this project aims to reduce travel times during peak hours on I-10, improve airport access, support ridesharing and transit options, and accommodate future regional growth projections.