Halloween Weekend Freeway Closures Impact Phoenix Drivers
Drivers across the Phoenix area face significant transit disruptions this weekend as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) implements a series of major freeway closures and ramp restrictions for ongoing improvement projects from Friday, Oct. 30, through Monday, Nov. 2, AZ Family reported.
Transportation officials urge commuters to plan ahead, build extra travel time into their schedules, and utilize designated detour routes to bypass the construction zones.
SR 51 and Loop 202 Face Weekend Closures
Southbound State Route 51 will close completely between Cactus Road and Northern Avenue starting at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, remaining out of service until 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2. All southbound on-ramps between Bell Road and 26th Street will also be shut down during this window. Motorists are advised to utilize southbound 7th Street from Cactus Road to Northern Avenue to reconnect with SR 51.
At the same time, the Loop 202 Santan Freeway widening project requires the closure of eastbound lanes between McQueen and Cooper roads. This restriction runs from 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, to 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2, alongside closures for eastbound on-ramps stretching between Dobson Road and Arizona Avenue. Drivers navigating this corridor can detour using eastbound Pecos or Germann roads to reconnect with Loop 202 at Cooper or Gilbert roads.
Loop 101, Loop 303, and I-10 Frontage Adjustments
Westbound Loop 101 closures begin earlier, shutting down between Interstate 17 and 51st Avenue starting at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, through noon Sunday, Nov. 1. The transition ramps from both northbound and southbound I-17 to westbound Loop 101 will close, alongside westbound on-ramps between 7th Street and 7th Avenue.
Further northwest, eastbound Loop 303 will close between 43rd Avenue and I-17 for bridge construction. This restriction starts at 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Monday, Nov. 2, with McDowell Road recommended as an alternate route.
ADOT notes that all restriction schedules remain subject to change due to inclement weather or other factors.
