November public meetings scheduled for Loop 101 widening study in north Phoenix, Scottsdale

PHOENIX – A series of public information meetings will be held later this month in north Phoenix and Scottsdale for a study of future improvements, including new lanes, along Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) between I-17 and Princess Drive, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Due to limited regional transportation funding, any approved Loop 101 construction is still several years away. Under current Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Transportation Program funding projections, Loop 101 improvements between Princess Drive and State Route 51 (Piestewa Freeway) are scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2021, while construction between SR 51 and I-17 would start in fiscal year 2024.

ADOT is seeking public comments for an initial design and environmental study of the possible Loop 101 improvements. The following meetings will be held to present initial information and receive comments for the study team to review:

• Tuesday, Nov. 18, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Paradise Valley Community College, 18401 N. 32nd Street, Phoenix (in the Q Building, Blue Conference Room). ADOT presentation starts at 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, Nov. 19, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Deer Valley Community Center, 2001 W. Wahalla Lane, Phoenix. ADOT presentation starts at 6 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 20, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Scottsdale Municipal Airport, 15000 N. Airport Drive, Scottsdale. ADOT presentation starts at 6 p.m.

Possible Loop 101 improvements to be studied include adding two traffic lanes in each direction between I-17 and Seventh Avenue, one new lane in each direction between Seventh Avenue and SR 51, and one new lane in each direction between Tatum Boulevard and Princess Drive.

The ADOT study will evaluate the proposed improvements projections for increased traffic along Loop 101 in the north Valley over the next two decades. Potential environmental factors, including freeway noise and air quality projections, also will be studied.

The initial design work, known as a Design Concept Report, and environmental study are expected to be completed by spring 2015.

Public comments also can be submitted online.