Valley freeways: A glance at '25 and glimpse at '26 projects

A couple of words come to mind when one examines the year that was and the year to come when it comes to Phoenix-area freeways: new lanes.

We need only look at the 2025 completion of the Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project between the I-17 “Split” interchange near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and the Loop 202 interchange in the Chandler area. Stretches of multiple new lanes have resulted in a noticeable improvement in the flow of I-10 around the previously rough Broadway Curve. ADOT appreciates the positive reviews many drivers have given that big project.

Speaking of big projects and new lanes, let’s hear it for the contractors, crews and ADOT personnel who worked on the I-17 widening project between Anthem Way and the Sunset Point Rest Area. The new 8-mile flex lanes system between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point has received the most attention, but those third lanes in both directions between Anthem Way and Rock Springs are another difference-maker for travel between Phoenix and the high country. 

2025 also brought completion of the fourth general purpose lanes in each direction along the Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive in Scottsdale. Nice to know ADOT has completed the series of projects to provide much-needed traffic capacity along the Pima and Price freeways in the East Valley.

The new year will provide a focus on important projects in the North and West Valley areas. ADOT is gearing up for the launch of the Loop 303 Improvement Project between I-17 and 51st Avenue in the coming weeks. That’s the first project funded under the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Proposition 479 regional transportation plan. Drivers will welcome the fact this project includes construction of direct freeway-to-freeway ramps connecting I-17 and Loop 303, in that busy area south of Carefree Highway.

Meanwhile, 2026 also will see the start of the Loop 303 project that will extend the freeway from Van Buren Street south by more than 4 miles to Maricopa 85. Look for construction to begin by mid-year. 

ADOT also is looking ahead to getting the I-10/Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) interchange expansion underway by the summer. That’s a project to add HOV lane ramps between the two freeways while also adding more capacity with a focus on southbound Loop 101 approaching the interchange. It’ll also mean more room for traffic along I-10 as well.

The list of projects being launched in 2026 goes on. It ranges from starting work on adding third lanes along I-10 between Chandler and Casa Grande to doing pavement surface improvements along State Route 51 between I-10 and Shea Boulevard. So stay tuned for news about a variety of work on your freeways.

And let’s not forget about a pair of ongoing projects adding lanes along the Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) between I-17 and 75th Avenue in the Northwest Valley and along the Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) between Loop 101 and Val Vista Drive in Chandler and Gilbert. Both are scheduled for completion in 2027.

You can find plenty of individual project information available at azdot.gov. Make sure you subscribe to receive ADOT’s free Weekend Freeway Travel Advisory for a listing of construction- and maintenance-related restrictions.

Don’t forget that 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.