City Notices Roundup: Weekend Loop 101 Closure, Health Advisories, and Service Updates
ADOT Advisory: Major Loop 101 Closure in Northwest Valley
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has issued a significant travel advisory for the upcoming weekend. Starting at 10 p.m. on Friday, February 13, eastbound Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) will be fully closed between 51st Avenue and Interstate 17. This closure is necessary for ongoing widening and improvement work in the Northwest Valley. The freeway is scheduled to remain closed until 5 a.m. Monday, February 16.
During this period, several on-ramps will also be inaccessible, including the eastbound Loop 101 ramps at 75th, 67th, and 59th avenues. Motorists should anticipate heavy delays and are encouraged to seek alternate routes. Recommended detours include using eastbound Union Hills Drive or Bell Road to reach I-17 or to continue travel beyond the construction zone. ADOT reminds drivers to allow extra travel time and to remain alert for workers and equipment in the construction zone.
Public Works: Proposed Residential Solid Waste Rate Adjustments
The Phoenix Public Works Department has officially presented a plan to the City Council to adjust monthly residential solid waste rates. The proposal addresses a projected budget shortfall of over $20 million due to rising operational, vehicle, and maintenance costs. If approved, residents would see a $6 monthly rate increase effective July 1, 2026, with subsequent increases scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
The city is hosting a series of nine community information sessions throughout February and March to gather resident feedback. These sessions allow the public to hear directly from Public Works representatives before the City Council's scheduled vote on April 22, 2026. Detailed documents regarding the financial status of solid waste services are currently available for public review at Phoenix City Hall.
Health Advisory: Measles Vigilance and Marijuana Product Recall
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health is urging residents to remain vigilant following confirmed cases of community transmission of measles. While the initial exposure alerts for specific public locations in Gilbert have passed their primary monitoring window, health officials emphasize that the virus remains active in the region. Residents who have not been vaccinated are strongly encouraged to receive the MMR vaccine, and healthcare providers have been directed to prioritize reporting any suspect cases involving fever and rash.
Additionally, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has issued a voluntary recall for specific marijuana products under the "Legacy" brand. Recent testing identified potential contamination with Aspergillus, a fungus that can pose health risks to individuals with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems. Consumers are advised to check product labels and dispose of any affected items immediately.
Public Service Announcements
- Affordable Housing: City officials recently broke ground on "The Moreland," a new downtown affordable housing development. The first phase will provide 132 units to support the city's housing stability goals.
- Sky Harbor Countdown: A commemorative clock has been installed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, marking the countdown to the 2026 Women's Final Four basketball championship.
- Neighborhood Grants: Applications for neighborhood improvement grants remain open for community organizations looking to fund local beautification projects.