Loop 101

ADOT, Phoenix open SR 51 ramps at Black Mountain Boulevard

ADOT, Phoenix open SR 51 ramps at Black Mountain Boulevard

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT, Phoenix open SR 51 ramps at Black Mountain Boulevard

ADOT, Phoenix open SR 51 ramps at Black Mountain Boulevard

March 20, 2016

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has opened elevated ramps connecting State Route 51 at the Loop 101 Pima Freeway with Black Mountain Boulevard, improving access in the Desert Ridge area.

A roundabout serves as a transition to slow traffic to and from the freeway, and a pedestrian bridge has been added over Black Mountain Boulevard near Pinnacle High School.

ADOT and Phoenix partnered on the $17.8 million ramps project, with ADOT managing construction that began in June 2015. A separate project, also managed by ADOT on behalf of the city, included improvements to Black Mountain Boulevard north to Pinnacle Peak Road.

“Our goal has been to deliver a project that helps the city with its transportation plans for the Desert Ridge area and beyond,” said ADOT Assistant Director Steve Boschen, who leads the agency’s Infrastructure Delivery and Operations Division. “The ramps provide local drivers with direct access to State Route 51.”

“As the city continues to develop in the north, better transportation options are needed to meet the needs of a growing city,” said Phoenix Councilwoman Thelda Williams, who chairs the City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “The new ramps will provide options for a rapidly growing area.”

At the roundabout, along Black Mountain Boulevard south of the high school, signs direct drivers to slow to 20 mph. Motorists also should be prepared to yield to traffic already in the roundabout.

While helping high school students cross Black Mountain Boulevard, the pedestrian bridge also is part of the Reach 11 trail within a 1,500-acre recreation area popular with hikers and bicyclists.

The connections between State Route 51 and Black Mountain Boulevard have been part of Phoenix’s plans for the Desert Ridge region for several years. The project was funded as part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan approved by county voters in 2004.

The Ramps Awaken! ADOT reopens Loop 101 ramps at Via de Ventura after reconstruction work

The Ramps Awaken! ADOT reopens Loop 101 ramps at Via de Ventura after reconstruction work

I-17 101 traffic interchange

The Ramps Awaken! ADOT reopens Loop 101 ramps at Via de Ventura after reconstruction work

The Ramps Awaken! ADOT reopens Loop 101 ramps at Via de Ventura after reconstruction work

December 18, 2015

PHOENIX - All four of the Loop 101 on- and off-ramps at Via de Ventura are open to traffic again as progress continues on ADOT's freeway-widening project in the Scottsdale area.

Following a two-month closure for reconstruction work, the Loop 101 ramps at Via de Ventura were reopened overnight (Thursday night). The ramps were reconstructed to fit with the new freeway lanes being added along Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway).

The entire $73 million Loop 101 project in the East Valley is scheduled for completion next year.

Loop 101 widening project progresses past halfway point

Loop 101 widening project progresses past halfway point

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Loop 101 widening project progresses past halfway point

Loop 101 widening project progresses past halfway point

November 25, 2015

If you watch this update from a year ago and compare it to today’s video, you’ll get a sense of just how much the Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) widening project has progressed in the past 12 months…

Currently, work is more than 50 percent complete. Crews are adding one travel lane in each direction to the Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and McKellips Road. The project also includes the addition of merge lanes between most major traffic interchanges, ramp improvements, new rubberized asphalt and the addition of two travel lanes from the northbound Loop 101/Loop 202 interchange entrance ramp to McDowell Road.

Just like last year, we want to remind drivers that there will be no full closures on this project during the upcoming busy holiday season. Drivers can again rest assured that crews will avoid construction-related closures during some of the big events planned in the area through early 2016.

“You’ll see a little bit of construction through the winter months, but that’s really when we’re going to slow down to make it so we don’t impact the traveling public,” says Senior Resident Engineer Dan Haskins in the video above. “Next April, we’re going to make our next big push to try to get a lot of this project done and completed. We want the people in Scottsdale, when they’re driving it, to be proud of what we’ve provided back to them. They have definitely been patient through this project and we want to make sure we’re giving them the best product we possibly can.”

Drivers are urged to slow down in the work zone and obey the lowered speed limit.

Find additional details in our previous posts or check out the project’s progress on our Flickr Page.

Loop 101 ramps at Chaparral Road reopened following reconstruction work

Loop 101 ramps at Chaparral Road reopened following reconstruction work

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Loop 101 ramps at Chaparral Road reopened following reconstruction work

Loop 101 ramps at Chaparral Road reopened following reconstruction work

November 13, 2015

PHOENIX — There’s good news for many Loop 101 commuters in the Scottsdale area. Drivers are again able to use the on- and off-ramps at the Chaparral Road interchange near Scottsdale Community College, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Crews reopened the Loop 101 ramps at Chaparral Road Thursday night (Nov. 12), following two months of improvement work. The ramps were reconstructed to fit with the new freeway lanes being added as part of the Loop 101 widening project between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway).

Meanwhile, ADOT anticipates the southbound Loop 101 off- and on-ramps at Thomas Road, which closed in September, will reopen by late this month. All four of the Loop 101 on- and off-ramps at Via De Ventura, which closed in October for reconstruction, are due to reopen by late December.

The work is part of the $73 million project to add new right lanes along Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). The entire project is scheduled for completion next year.

Work continues on Loop 101 widening project

Work continues on Loop 101 widening project

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Work continues on Loop 101 widening project

Work continues on Loop 101 widening project

October 23, 2015
L101 (Pima) Aerial Photos_080315

Since work on the Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) widening project is more than 50 percent complete, we thought now would be the perfect time for an update…

As you can see in the photos, crews are continuing work on the project that, when complete, will add one travel lane in each direction to the Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and McKellips Road.

The project also includes traffic-interchange improvements, new rubberized asphalt and the addition of two travel lanes from the northbound Loop 101/Loop 202 interchange entrance ramp to McDowell.

What motorists need to know

Crews will start placing rubberized asphalt pavement on sections of the project beginning this weekend (Oct. 23-Oct. 26).

Drivers can expect a closure of northbound Loop 101 between Rio Salado Parkway near the Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) and McDowell Road from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Both Loop 202 ramps to northbound Loop 101 will be closed.

Because rubberized asphalt is temperature-sensitive and cannot be placed during very cold or very hot weather, right now is a good time to apply it in many parts of the state. If you’re interested in learning more, check out these previous posts on rubberized asphalt.

For a look at all our Loop 101 blog updates, including this recent one urging drivers to slow down in the work zone, please revisit these previous project posts.

Loop 101 Pima Update: Ramps at 90th Street open again, ramps at Via De Ventura to close

Loop 101 Pima Update: Ramps at 90th Street open again, ramps at Via De Ventura to close

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Loop 101 Pima Update: Ramps at 90th Street open again, ramps at Via De Ventura to close

Loop 101 Pima Update: Ramps at 90th Street open again, ramps at Via De Ventura to close

October 16, 2015

PHOENIX — As the Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) widening project continues in the Scottsdale area, drivers are again able to use the on- and off-ramps at the 90th Street interchange, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Crews reopened the Loop 101 ramps at 90th Street late last night (Thursday night) following two months of reconstruction work. The ramps were adjusted to fit into the new lanes being added as part of the Loop 101 widening project between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway).

The next stage of reconstruction work will close the Loop 101 on- and off-ramps at Via De Ventura for approximately 60 days starting at 10 p.m. Monday (Oct. 19). While the freeway ramps at Via De Ventura are closed, drivers can use the ramps at Indian Bend Road or 90th Street.

The work is part of the $73 million project to add new right lanes along Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). The entire project is scheduled for completion next year.

Loop 101 drivers are urged to slow down in the work zone

Loop 101 drivers are urged to slow down in the work zone

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Loop 101 drivers are urged to slow down in the work zone

Loop 101 drivers are urged to slow down in the work zone

October 5, 2015

If you’ve been following along with us, you know that we’ve been covering the Loop 101 widening project since work started last summer.

We’ve given you updates, shared a cool time-lapse video and even told you about that time an ASU class came to visit the site.

One thing we haven’t covered yet is speed. No, we’re not talking about the speed of the project’s progress (we actually have covered that – work currently is on schedule to wrap up late next year). We’re referring to the speed at which motorists are driving through the project’s work zone…

Crews have noted that not all drivers are slowing down to the reduced 55 mph speed limit. ADOT Transportation Engineering Specialist David Locher says the data shows that some vehicles are actually averaging about 70 mph through the area.

Work Zone Safety tips

  • Expect the unexpected. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be restricted and people may be working on or near the road.
  • Slow down! Speeding is one of the major causes of work-zone crashes.
  • Keep a safe distance. The most common type of accident in a work zone is a rear-end collision. Maintain two car lengths between you and the car in front of you as well as road crews and their equipment.
  • Pay attention. The warning signs are there to help you move safely through the work zone. Observe the posted signs.
  • Obey road crew flaggers. The flagger knows what is best for moving traffic safely in the work zone. A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign. You can be cited for disobeying a flagger's directions.
  • Stay alert and minimize distractions. Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving in a work zone.
  • Keep up with traffic flow. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by merging as soon as possible. Do not drive right up to the lane closure and then try to barge in.
  • Check road conditions before you travel. Schedule enough time to drive safely and check for traffic information by calling 511 or by logging on to az511.gov.
  • Be patient and stay calm. Remember, crews are working to improve the road and your commute.

Slow down in the work zone!

Crews need space to work, but instead of closing an entire lane through the work zone, ADOT opted to narrow each of the existing lanes to help keep traffic moving during the project.

“A typical lane is 12 feet wide and we’ve narrowed it to 11 feet wide,” Locher explains. “On top of that, we don’t have a shoulder during construction, so even the minor flat tire can become a back-up and there’s little room to maneuver if there is an accident.”

So, what should drivers do?

Department of Public Safety Spokesman Bart Graves reminds drivers that they have to slow down and obey all signs/warning devices in work zones – not only for the well-being of construction crews, but for their own safety.

“It’s really important that the motorists slow down and approach that area carefully” Graves said.

For more information on how to safely maneuver through work zones, please visit our Work Zone Safety page.

Loop 101 ramps at Chaparral Road to close for two months starting Sunday night (Sept. 13)

Loop 101 ramps at Chaparral Road to close for two months starting Sunday night (Sept. 13)

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Loop 101 ramps at Chaparral Road to close for two months starting Sunday night (Sept. 13)

Loop 101 ramps at Chaparral Road to close for two months starting Sunday night (Sept. 13)

September 11, 2015

PHOENIX — Drivers who normally use the Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) on- and off-ramps at Chaparral Road in the Scottsdale area should plan on using other nearby interchanges for the next two months, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

All four of the Loop 101 ramps at Chaparral Road are scheduled to be temporarily closed at approximately 10 p.m. Sunday (Sept. 13) as part of the ongoing freeway-widening project between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway).

The ramps at Chaparral Road will be reconstructed to fit into the path of the wider freeway. They are due to reopen to traffic by mid-November.

Chaparral Road will remain open to through traffic under Loop 101 unless work requires temporary closures.

Drivers are encouraged to use ramps at other nearby interchanges, including Indian School Road or McDonald Drive.

ADOT reopened the ramps at Indian Bend Road last night (Thursday, Sept. 10). The Loop 101 ramps at 90th Street were closed last month and are due to reopen in October.

ADOT has worked with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the city of Scottsdale in coordinating the ramp closures to limit the impact on local traffic conditions.

The work is part of the $73 million project to add new right lanes along Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). The entire project is scheduled for completion next year.

Project schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather.

Loop 101 ramps at 90th Street/Pima Road to close for two months starting Sunday (Aug. 16)

Loop 101 ramps at 90th Street/Pima Road to close for two months starting Sunday (Aug. 16)

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Loop 101 ramps at 90th Street/Pima Road to close for two months starting Sunday (Aug. 16)

Loop 101 ramps at 90th Street/Pima Road to close for two months starting Sunday (Aug. 16)

August 14, 2015

PHOENIX — Drivers who normally use the Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) on- and off-ramps at the 90th Street interchange in the Scottsdale area should plan on alternate routes for a couple of months starting Sunday (Aug. 16), according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

All four of the Loop 101 ramps at 90th Street/Pima Road are scheduled to be closed at approximately 2 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 16) as part of the ongoing freeway-widening project between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway).

The ramps at 90th Street will be reconstructed to fit into the path of the wider freeway. The ramps are due to reopen by mid-October.

90th Street will remain open to through traffic under Loop 101 unless work requires temporary closures. 90th Street will be closed at Loop 101 from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday while crews set up the ramp closures.

Drivers are encouraged to use ramps at other nearby interchanges, including Shea Boulevard or Via De Ventura.

Ramps at other Loop 101 interchanges, including Indian School and Indian Bend roads, already are closed for reconstruction work. The ramps at Indian School Road are scheduled to reopen by August 21, while the ramps at Indian Bend Road are due to reopen in mid-September.

ADOT has worked with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and the city of Scottsdale in coordinating a number of the recent ramp closures during the summer months, when lighter traffic conditions occur.

The work is part of the $73 million project to add new right lanes along Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway). The entire project is scheduled for completion next year.

Project schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather.

Work on Loop 101 widening project continues

Work on Loop 101 widening project continues

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Work on Loop 101 widening project continues

Work on Loop 101 widening project continues

July 17, 2015

Find more project photos on our Flickr page.

It’s been a while since we last checked in on the Loop 101 widening project, so we thought we’d take a look and see how work is progressing…

You might remember that construction began in early August 2014 and is expected to wrap up in late 2016. When work is complete, Loop 101 will be widened from Shea Boulevard to the Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) interchange. In addition to the new travel lanes (one in each direction) from Shea Boulevard to McKellips Road, the project also includes:

  • Two additional travel lanes from the northbound Loop 101/Loop 202 interchange entrance ramp to McDowell Road
  • Traffic-interchange improvements
  • New rubberized asphalt on the roadway surface from Shea Boulevard to McKellips Road

Crews constructing a retaining wall near the southbound on-ramp at 90th Street.

Right now, the project is roughly 42 percent complete and crews are really taking advantage of the summer months – when there’s less traffic and fewer big events – to get a lot of work done.

Northeast Valley drivers have likely noticed a few ramp closures within the project’s span.

ADOT Transportation Engineering Specialist David Locher explains that those closures are necessary so that crews can move/relocate the ramps outward so they’ll be able to align with the new expanded freeway exit/entrance lanes. Locher says the goal is to have all the ramps finished by January.

Currently, 60-day ramp closures are in place at McDowell (closure began June 1), Indian School (June 22) and Indian Bend (July 13). Drivers should also prepare for an upcoming 60-day closure at the 90th Street/Via Linda on- and off-ramps that will begin Aug. 10.

The project also includes 11 bridges…

blog-2015-0717-101-2

Crews use the paving machine at  night.

Crews have completed most of the bridge work, says Locher, but they still have to wrap up construction on the bridge approaches. Speaking of bridges, if you haven’t already seen it, you might want to check out this video from back in March that shows how (and why) crews lowered a new lane on the bridge at 90th Street.

As you can see from the aerial photos above, crews are continuing day and night to expand the freeway lanes along the length of the project.

“ADOT is working hard to ensure drivers won’t have to wait long to experience a less congested and quieter ride,” ADOT Senior Community Relations Officer Felicia Beltran said.

For more information (including traffic alerts), please our previous posts or check out the project’s progress on our Flickr Page.