Fatal Bus Crash and New Transit Schedules Impact Monday Morning Commute

Monday Morning Traffic Overview

Commuters in the Valley are facing a challenging start to the work week this Monday, January 26, 2026. A combination of a major fatal accident in West Phoenix and the implementation of regional transit service changes is creating significant delays and some confusion for those utilizing public transportation. While the major weekend construction on the Loop 202 has wrapped up, the morning flow is heavily impacted by local incidents and schedule adjustments.

Major Incidents and Local Closures

The most significant disruption this morning is located at the intersection of 51st Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road. Phoenix Police responded to a fatal collision involving a pickup truck and a Valley Metro bus around 4:00 a.m. One person has been confirmed deceased at the scene. Investigations are ongoing, and the intersection remains restricted in all directions. Drivers are advised to use 43rd Avenue or 59th Avenue as north-south alternates and Buckeye Road or Van Buren Street for east-west travel to avoid the area.

In the East Valley, emergency crews are also on the scene of a deadly motorcycle crash in Mesa. Traffic is restricted in the immediate vicinity, causing rubbernecking delays for those merging onto the US-60. Additionally, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) confirms that the major weekend closures on Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) at Arizona Avenue and Lindsay Road have successfully concluded. All lanes and ramps, including the westbound on-ramp at Arizona Avenue, were reopened as of 5:00 a.m., though some residual congestion remains as the morning peak begins.

Valley Metro Service Changes and Rider Alerts

For those relying on public transit, today marks the official launch of the January 2026 Service Changes. Valley Metro and the City of Phoenix have implemented broad schedule and route adjustments to the regional system. Commuters should double-check their specific routes, particularly the Valley Metro Rail A Line and Route 29, which have seen timing shifts. Several new construction-related detours also begin today:

• Route 7 (Fillmore St): Construction work starting at 8:30 a.m. will impact stops between 7th St and 15th Ave.
• Route 70 (99th Ave/Glendale Ave): Park & Ride construction has officially commenced, affecting boarding locations.
• Venus Detour: Riders in Tempe should note a detour between 13th St/Farmer Ave and 14th St/Roosevelt St due to new roadwork.

Regional Roadwork and Paving

Outside the immediate metro area, ADOT has launched a major paving project on US 93 north of Wickenburg today. While much of the work is scheduled for nighttime hours to minimize impact, commuters traveling between Phoenix and Las Vegas should prepare for daytime lane restrictions and reduced speeds across the 16-mile work zone. Finally, while the I-17 Improvement Project and the Broadway Curve project have reached substantial completion, minor lane striping and maintenance continue near Anthem, so stay alert for mobile work crews.