Major Loop 101 Closure and Mesa Marathon Detours Impact Saturday Traffic

Major Eastbound Loop 101 Closure Highlights Saturday Commute Delays

Phoenix drivers should prepare for significant travel disruptions this Saturday, February 14, 2026, as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has implemented a full mainline closure on a key stretch of the Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway. As part of ongoing widening projects, eastbound Loop 101 is completely closed between 51st Avenue and Interstate 17. This closure began late Friday night and is scheduled to remain in effect until 5 a.m. Sunday, February 15.

In addition to the mainline closure, several ramps are inaccessible. The eastbound Loop 101 on-ramps at 75th, 67th, and 59th avenues are closed to traffic. Commuters heading toward the North Valley or I-17 are strongly advised to seek alternate routes. ADOT recommends using eastbound Union Hills Drive or Bell Road as primary detours to bypass the construction zone and reach the interstate. For those traveling westbound, please note that the HOV lane may be closed at various times between 35th and 51st avenues to facilitate equipment movement.

Valley Metro and Mesa Marathon Alerts

Public transit users will also face service adjustments today due to the Mesa Marathon. Valley Metro has issued rider alerts for several bus routes that are currently on detour until 4:00 p.m. The following routes are specifically affected by the race course and associated road closures:

• Route 30 (University Dr)
• Route 48 (48th St)
• Route 96 (Dobson Rd)
• Route 112 (Country Club Dr/Arizona Ave)
• Route 120 (Mesa Dr)
• Route 136 (Gilbert Rd)

In addition to marathon-related changes, ongoing infrastructure projects continue to impact Route 45 on Broadway Road between Dobson and Price roads, and Route 3 on Van Buren Street. Surface street commuters should account for these long-term detours when planning their trips today.

Surface Street Restrictions and Event Traffic

Local commuters in the Northwest Valley should remain aware of restrictions at the 75th Avenue and Loop 101 interchange. 75th Avenue is currently narrowed to a single through lane in each direction between Rose Garden Lane and Arrowhead Clubhouse Drive. This work is part of a larger $140 million improvement project adding capacity to the corridor, and the eastbound on-ramp at 75th Avenue remains closed for reconstruction.

Traffic is also expected to be heavier than usual in Fountain Hills for the annual Concours in the Hills car show at Fountain Park. With the event running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., drivers can expect delays on Saguaro Boulevard and surrounding residential streets. Similarly, the Arizona Gay Rodeo at Corona Ranch and the World Championship Hoop Dance Contest at the Heard Museum will likely increase traffic volumes in South Phoenix and the Central Corridor throughout the afternoon.