Major Eastbound Loop 101 Closure and New Transit Schedules in Phoenix
Weekend Traffic Overview
As of Sunday, February 15, 2026, commuters and residents in the Phoenix metropolitan area should prepare for significant travel adjustments. While many major freeway projects from previous years have concluded, several new initiatives under the voter-approved Proposition 479 are now in full swing, impacting typical weekend travel patterns in the Northwest Valley.
Major Freeway Closures and Roadworks
The primary disruption for drivers this weekend is on the Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway). According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the eastbound lanes of Loop 101 are closed between 51st Avenue and Interstate 17. This mainline closure is necessary for ongoing widening work aimed at increasing capacity in the Northwest Valley. Motorists are advised to use Beardsley Road or local surface streets as alternatives. Traffic is expected to be heavy at the I-17 interchange as vehicles merge onto the interstate.
Additionally, work continues at the I-17 and Loop 303 interchange in North Phoenix. This $129 million project, which began last month, is focused on constructing direct freeway-to-freeway ramps. While no full closures are reported for this specific intersection today, drivers should remain alert for lane shifts and reduced speed limits in the construction zone.
For those traveling through Scottsdale, the Loop 101 Pima Freeway widening project between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive is nearing substantial completion. While new lanes have recently opened, minor shoulder work and nightly restrictions may still occur. In contrast, the I-10 Broadway Curve area is now fully open following its completion in 2025, providing a much smoother commute through the Tempe corridor compared to previous years.
Public Transit and Light Rail Updates
Valley Metro passengers should be aware that new service changes went into effect on January 26, 2026. These adjustments impact several local and express routes, including Route 29 (Thomas Rd), Route 40 (Main St), and Route 59 (59th Ave). Commuters are encouraged to check the latest schedules via the Valley Metro mobile app to ensure their routes haven't shifted by a few minutes.
The regional light rail system now operates with two distinct lines: the A Line and the B Line. The A Line connects Mesa to the Downtown Phoenix Hub, while the B Line serves passengers from Metro Parkway down to the South Central Extension at Baseline Road. These lines provide critical north-south and east-west connectivity following the successful expansion projects completed over the last two years.
Local Street Alerts
- 19th Ave & McDowell Rd: Expect partial closures and lane restrictions due to utility work scheduled to continue through February 21.
- Loop 303 near Cotton Lane: Preliminary utility relocation is underway for the upcoming widening project between Van Buren Street and MC 85.
Drivers are reminded to allow for extra travel time when navigating the Northwest Valley and to obey all posted signage in active work zones to ensure the safety of road crews.