Heavy Delays Near TPC Scottsdale; Shea Boulevard Widening Begins This Morning

Friday Commute Overview

Commuters across the Valley should prepare for a busy Friday on the roads as major sporting events and new construction projects impact traffic flow. Today, February 6, 2026, marks the second full day of the WM Phoenix Open, which traditionally brings some of the heaviest traffic volumes of the year to the North Scottsdale area. Additionally, new roadwork initiatives in the East Valley and ongoing freeway expansions will require extra travel time during the morning and evening rush hours.

Major Roadwork and Construction Alerts

Several significant roadwork projects are affecting travel today. Drivers in Fountain Hills and the East Valley should be particularly mindful of the following:

• Shea Boulevard (Fountain Hills): Prep work for a major widening project officially begins today. Expect restriping and shifting traffic between Palisades Boulevard and Fountain Hills Boulevard. Speed limits have been reduced to 40 mph, and eastbound traffic is being funneled into two lanes.
• Chandler Boulevard: Lane restrictions are in place between I-10 and 51st Street. The roadway is narrowed to a single lane in both directions from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate local improvements.
• SR 387 (Casa Grande): Ongoing intersection improvements at milepost 4 have 24/7 lane restrictions in effect starting today.
• Loop 101 Pima Freeway: While the widening project between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive is nearing completion, expect intermittent night and early morning restrictions as crews finalize surface work.
• Loop 303: Construction continues between I-17 and 51st Avenue. Use caution near the I-17 interchange as new bridge ramps are being established.

Event Traffic: WM Phoenix Open and State Fairgrounds

The WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale is the primary driver of congestion today. For those heading to the tournament or commuting through Scottsdale, note that Hayden Road is closed to general vehicle traffic from Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard to Princess Drive. This closure is designed to streamline shuttle and fan access but will significantly impact surrounding surface streets. Heavy delays are expected on the Loop 101 Pima Freeway at the Princess Drive and Bell Road exits.

In Central Phoenix, Jurassic Quest is opening today at the Arizona State Fairgrounds. While most traffic will be concentrated near the 19th Avenue and McDowell Road entrances, expect localized congestion during the late afternoon as families arrive for the weekend exhibition.

Safety and Public Transit Notices

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) is holding a press conference today at 10 a.m. at its headquarters located at 2102 W. Encanto Blvd. While no major road closures are planned for the event, media presence and limited parking in the visitor lot near 21st Avenue may cause minor delays for those traveling near the state office complex.

Valley Metro services remain operational on a standard Friday schedule; however, bus routes in North Scottsdale may experience delays due to the high volume of traffic surrounding the golf tournament. Passengers are encouraged to check real-time tracking for the most accurate arrival times.