High Winds and Local Utility Work Impact Wednesday Morning Commute

Wednesday Morning Commute Overview

Commuters across the Phoenix metropolitan area are facing a mix of localized surface street restrictions and regional weather advisories this Wednesday, February 18, 2026. While the major I-10 Broadway Curve reconstruction was completed last year, newer projects funded under Proposition 479 are beginning to ramp up. Drivers heading out this morning should also be mindful of a High Wind Warning in effect from 5:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. for the high plateaus and mesas surrounding the Valley, which may affect high-profile vehicles on routes like I-17 and State Route 87.

Major Freeway and Construction Alerts

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is currently in the pre-construction phase for several major capacity enhancements. The most significant activity is centered on the Loop 303 and I-17 interchange. While the heaviest lane restrictions are slated for the upcoming weekend, crews are currently active in the area setting barrier walls and preparing foundations for new direct freeway-to-freeway ramps. Expect minor shoulder activity and intermittent lane narrowing in the North Valley near Dove Valley Road.

• Loop 202 (Santan Freeway): Widening work continues between Loop 101 and Val Vista Drive. Commuters in the Chandler and Gilbert areas should expect narrowed lanes and shifted traffic patterns as crews work on bridge expansions.
• Loop 101 (Pima Freeway): The widening project between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive is nearing substantial completion. While most new lanes are open, stay alert for final striping crews and minor overnight cleanup activities that may linger into the early morning hours.

Surface Street Restrictions

In central Phoenix, utility work and street transportation projects are causing partial closures at several key intersections today:

• 16th Street and Buckeye Road: Today marks the final day of a partial closure for street transportation work. Expect minor delays through the intersection as crews wrap up operations.
• 19th Avenue and McDowell Road: A partial closure remains in effect for utility work. This restriction is scheduled to continue through Saturday, February 21, and may cause stacking during peak morning and afternoon hours.
• 107th Avenue: Restrictions are active between Miami Avenue and Albeniz Place for ongoing private development work. Drivers are encouraged to use 99th Avenue as an alternative.

Public Transport and Valley Metro Updates

Valley Metro has reported several active detours for bus and circulator routes today. Riders should allow for extra travel time on the following routes:

• Route 90: A detour remains in effect between 67th Avenue and 59th Avenue due to a recent accident and subsequent cleanup.
• Tempe Orbit Mercury: Construction detours are active between Victory Drive/Price Road and George Drive/Victory Drive. These restrictions are expected to last through late February.

For those using the light rail, services are currently running on a standard weekday schedule with no major reported interruptions to the main line between Mesa and Northwest Phoenix.