Work starts on project to build ramps connecting State Route 51 to Black Mountain Boulevard north of Loop 101

PHOENIX — Work is starting on a project in northeast Phoenix to add new ramps connecting State Route 51 to Black Mountain Boulevard, north of Loop 101, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

To create a safe work zone for the elevated ramp construction, the east- and westbound Loop 101 HOV lanes are scheduled to be closed starting at 9 p.m. Thursday, June 18, between Tatum Boulevard and Cave Creek Road for approximately two months. The entire project is scheduled for completion by summer 2016.

ADOT and the City of Phoenix are partnering on the $17.8 million project, which is part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan approved by county voters in 2004.

Crews will build new elevated ramps to make north- and southbound connections between SR 51 and Black Mountain Boulevard, a north-south roadway that will carry traffic north of Loop 101 to Pinnacle Peak Road.

The connections between SR 51 and Black Mountain Boulevard have been part of the City of Phoenix's plans for the area north of Loop 101 for several years. Improvements have been built by Phoenix since last year, including a new segment of Black Mountain Boulevard south of Pinnacle Peak Road. ADOT is now managing the construction of the final phase to construct the new SR 51 ramps that connect to Black Mountain Boulevard in the area south of Pinnacle High School.