Loop 303, Lake Pleasant Parkway to I-17 Improvements
Loop 303, Lake Pleasant Parkway to I-17 Improvements
Contents
Overview
The Arizona Department of Transportation, in association with the Maricopa Association of Governments, and in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration and the cities of Phoenix and Peoria, has initiated a study to consider an additional general-purpose lane on Loop 303 between Lake Pleasant Parkway and Interstate 17, as well as possible future traffic interchanges on Loop 303 at 67th, 51st and 43rd avenues. The study will also determine the approximate timing of the implementation of the I-17/Loop 303 system interchange ramps. The project seeks to address growing traffic demands on Loop 303.
Project Elements
This project will provide an update to the 2006 Final Design Concept Report Estrella Freeway (Loop 303), Happy Valley Road to I-17. Currently the segment of Loop 303 from Lake Pleasant Parkway to I-17 provides two lanes in each direction of travel. The project will consider the addition of a third general-purpose lane in each direction of travel, as well as develop and evaluate service interchange alternatives at 67th, 51st and 43rd avenues, and the implementation timing of the direct connecting ramps at the I-17/Loop 303 system interchange.
Schedule
- The project is currently in the study phase for the general-purpose lane widening. Construction of the 51st Avenue and 43rd Avenue traffic interchanges began in September 2022 and is anticipated to finish in late 2023.
- Timing of the construction of the remaining elements of the project is to be determined.
- Schedules are subject to change.
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Submit questions and comments or request information in any of the following ways:
- By Phone: ADOT Bilingual Project Information Line: 855.712.8530
- Online: Visit azdot.gov/contact and select Projects from the drop-down menu
- By Mail: ADOT Communications, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Project Overview
In September 2022, the Arizona Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Maricopa Association of Governments, the Federal Highway Administration and the city of Phoenix, began construction on new Loop 303 traffic interchanges at 51st and 43rd avenues. The new interchanges will address expected traffic growth prompted by current and planned development in the area. The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2023.
In addition to the new traffic interchanges, the project also will include:
- Constructing new bridges on Loop 303 over 51st and 43rd avenues
- Extending 51st and 43rd avenues through ADOT right-of-way to the south of Loop 303
- Extending the southbound frontage road from 43rd to 51st avenues
- Drainage improvements at 51st and 43rd avenues
- Signals at ramp and crossroad intersections
- New signs, pavement markings and lighting
The 51st Avenue interchange will be shifted slightly to the west to accommodate the realignment of 51st Avenue.
What to expect
Construction will mostly occur outside the existing roadway. However, drivers can expect some weekend and night closures on Loop 303 during construction.
Note: While the city of Phoenix’s long-range transportation plan identifies the planned extension of 43rd, 51st and 67th Avenue/Pyramid Peak Parkway south of Loop 303 based on future development, the city has no immediate plans to extend any of these roadways.

Documents
Appendices
- Appendix A – IDCR AASHTO Report
- Appendix B – Cost Estimates
- Appendix C – Design Roll Plots
- Appendix D – Construction Sequencing Roll Plots
- Appendix E – 51st and 43rd Ave Traffic Interchanges TI Final Project Assessment
- Appendix F – Initial Drainage Report
- Loop 303 Lake Pleasant Parkway to I-17 Initial Traffic Report with Appendices
- Loop 303 Lake Pleasant Parkway to I-17 Final Design Concept Report
- Loop 303 Lake Pleasant Parkway to I-17 Final Traffic Report and Appendix
Public Meeting
Virtual Public Meeting Information
On October 20, 2021, ADOT held a virtual public meeting to provide information about the proposed near-term and long-term improvement plans to Loop 303 between Lake Pleasant Parkway and Interstate 17.
Questions/Comments
Submit questions and comments or request information in any of the following ways:
- By Phone: ADOT Project Information Line: 855.712.8530
- Línea de Información del Proyecto ADOT: 855.712.8530
- By Email: Contact John Tucker at [email protected]
- By Mail: ADOT Communications, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007
Traffic Alerts

Lane restrictions and closures on Loop 303, between Lake Pleasant Parkway and I-17, beginning May 2
The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for the following lane restrictions and weekend closures on Loop 303 for interchange construction:
- East- and westbound Loop 303, between I-17 and 51st Avenue, will be narrowed to one lane from 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 2 to 5 a.m. Wednesday, May 3.
- Westbound Loop 303, between I-17 and Lake Pleasant Parkway, will be CLOSED from 8 p.m. Friday, May 5, to 6 p.m Saturday, May 6.
- DETOUR: Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes, including westbound State Route 74 to southbound Lake Pleasant Parkway to connect to Loop 303 beyond the closure.
- Eastbound Loop 303, between Lake Pleasant Parkway and I-17, will be CLOSED from 7 p.m. Saturday, May 6 to 5 a.m. Monday, May 8.
- DETOUR: Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes, including northbound Lake Pleasant Parkway to eastbound State Route 74 to connect to I-17 and Sonoran Desert Drive.
Intermittent Rolling Closures
Intermittent rolling closures remain on east- and westbound Loop 303, between I-17 and Lake Pleasant Parkway. They are limited to weekdays, between 9 and 11 a.m. and 7 and 9 p.m.
To learn more, visit azdot.gov/projects/central-district-projects/loop-303-lake-pleasant-parkway-i-17-improvements
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Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other nondiscrimination laws and authorities, ADOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Persons who require a reasonable accommodation based on language or disability should contact John Tucker at 855.712.8530 or [email protected]. Requests should be made as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the accommodation.
De acuerdo con el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA por sus siglas en inglés) y otras normas y leyes antidiscriminatorias, el Departamento de Transporte de Arizona (ADOT) no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, origen nacional, sexo, edad o discapacidad. Las personas que requieran asistencia (dentro de lo razonable) ya sea por el idioma o discapacidad deben ponerse en contacto con la Stephanie Dyer la 855.712.8530 o [email protected]. Las solicitudes deben hacerse lo más antes posible para asegurar que el Estado tenga la oportunidad de hacer los arreglos necesarios.