Major Closures on Loop 202 and Loop 101; Heavy NASCAR and Festival Traffic Expected

Weekend Traffic Overview for Saturday, March 7, 2026

Phoenix commuters and weekend travelers should prepare for significant disruptions today as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) executes several major freeway projects. Between ongoing widening efforts and a packed schedule of high-profile events across the Valley, travel times are expected to be much higher than usual. Drivers are advised to consult real-time maps before heading out and to consider using alternate routes to avoid the most congested zones.

Major Freeway Closures and Restrictions

Two primary freeway projects will impact traffic flow in the Southeast and Northwest Valleys today:

• Loop 202 (Santan Freeway): In Gilbert, the eastbound Loop 202 will be closed at Val Vista Drive starting at 6:00 p.m. this evening and lasting through Sunday. Additionally, eastbound on-ramps at Cooper, Gilbert, and Lindsay roads are scheduled for closure. Surface street traffic is also affected, with Lindsay Road closed in both directions at the Loop 202 until 3:00 p.m. today.
• Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway): In the Northwest Valley, both east- and westbound off-ramps at 75th Avenue are closed through Sunday evening for a widening project. 75th Avenue itself is also closed in both directions near the freeway, requiring drivers to detour via 67th or 83rd avenues.

Heavy Event Traffic and Surface Street Impacts

Beyond construction, several major events will draw massive crowds, particularly in the outlying areas of the metro Phoenix region:

• NASCAR and IndyCar Spring Weekend: High volumes of traffic are expected on Interstate 10 and the western portion of Loop 101 as fans head to Phoenix Raceway in Avondale for qualifying and headline races. Expect delays beginning in the late morning and continuing through the early evening.
• Arizona Renaissance Festival: Today marks a major weekend for the festival in Gold Canyon. Travelers using US 60 East should anticipate heavy congestion and slow-moving traffic approaching the festival grounds.
• Rodeo Scottsdale: Localized delays are expected near WestWorld of Scottsdale. Drivers should be mindful of increased pedestrian activity and heavy traffic on North Pima Road.

Public Transportation Alerts

Valley Metro has issued several rider alerts for today. Route 45 continues to experience delays due to ongoing construction between Dobson Road and Price Road. Additionally, Route 3 passengers should note that certain bus stops have been relocated along Van Buren Street due to active street transportation work. Light rail service remains on a standard weekend schedule, though riders should allow extra time when connecting to bus routes affected by the aforementioned freeway detours.