Lane Narrowing on Chandler Boulevard and Permanent Access Changes at Sky Harbor Today

Overview of the Thursday Commute

Commuters in the Phoenix metropolitan area should prepare for several significant traffic shifts this Thursday, February 5, 2026. While the major freeway systems remain largely open, surface street restrictions and a major permanent change at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will likely impact travel times for those in the East Valley and airport-bound travelers.

Major Roadway and Airport Alerts

The most notable restriction today involves Chandler Boulevard. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Chandler Boulevard will be narrowed to just one lane in both directions between Interstate 10 and 51st Street. This restriction is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. today and Friday, February 6, as part of the ongoing I-10 cross-street improvement project. Motorists are advised to use Pecos Road or Ray Road as alternatives to avoid heavy congestion during midday hours.

At Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, a permanent infrastructure change takes effect today. The access road from eastbound Sky Harbor Boulevard leading to the West Economy Garage, West Economy Park & Walk, and West Air Cargo will close permanently to facilitate the Taxiway Uniform project. Drivers must now use eastbound Buckeye Road to access these specific facilities. Additionally, overnight restrictions on the leftmost lane of eastbound Sky Harbor Boulevard north of Terminal 3 are set to conclude today, but travelers should remain alert for lingering work crews through the morning hours.

Regional Freeway Construction

Several long-term projects continue to impact the valley's freeway loops:

• Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway): Widening work continues in the Northwest Valley between I-17 and 75th Avenue. While no full closures are scheduled for today, expect narrowed lanes and reduced speed limits in the work zone.
• Loop 202 (Santan Freeway): Expansion efforts between the Loop 101 interchange and Val Vista Drive may result in shoulder work and minor entrance ramp delays in the Chandler area.
• Loop 303: Construction of the new direct freeway-to-freeway ramps at the I-17 interchange is underway. Commuters should watch for shifting traffic patterns near 51st Avenue.

Public Transport and Valley Metro Updates

Valley Metro has issued several rider alerts for today:

• Route 136: A detour remains in place between Brown Road and the Gilbert/McDowell Park and Ride due to construction. This detour is expected to expire at 12:00 p.m. today.
• Route 170: Extra service and specific detours are in effect through February 9 to accommodate attendees of the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
• Orbit Earth: Construction-related detours continue for the Tempe neighborhood circulator between McKellips Road and College Avenue.

Commuters are encouraged to allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes if traveling through the East Valley or heading to Sky Harbor to navigate these new traffic patterns effectively.