Grand Canyon Times

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced a temporary closure of northbound State Route 143 between I-10 and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). The closure is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, and end at 4 a.m. on Monday, March 3, to accommodate a traffic shift.

During this period, several other routes will also be closed: the I-10 ramps to northbound SR 143, the northbound SR 143 on-ramp at University Drive, and northbound 48th Street between Broadway Road and I-10.

For motorists traveling westbound on I-10, ADOT suggests using westbound I-10 to eastbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) to reach southbound SR 143. Those traveling eastbound on I-10 are advised to use eastbound I-10 to eastbound US 60, then northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway), and finally westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) for access to southbound SR 143.

Travelers heading to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport from southbound I-17, westbound I-10, or westbound US 60 should take 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 (Red Mountain Freeway).

ADOT emphasizes the importance of using designated detours during state highway closures. "Schedules can quickly change because of weather and other unforeseen situations," ADOT notes. For real-time updates, drivers are encouraged to download the Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project’s mobile app, TheCurve or visit the Alerts section of the project website.

The I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project is part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan. It is funded by a half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in Proposition 400 back in 2004. MAG identified this project as necessary to reduce travel times during peak hours on I-10; improve airport access; support ridesharing and transit; and prepare for future regional growth projections.