Major Weekend Closures on Loop 202 and Loop 101 Restrictions Set to Begin Friday Night

Phoenix Commuter Update: February 27, 2026

As we head into the final weekend of February, commuters in the Phoenix metropolitan area should prepare for significant travel impacts starting tonight. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has issued a Weekend Freeway Travel Advisory for February 27 through March 2, highlighting several major projects that will alter traffic flow on key arteries.

Major Freeway Closures and Restrictions

The most substantial impact begins late Friday evening in the East Valley. Eastbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) will be completely closed between Lindsay Road and Val Vista Drive in Gilbert. This closure is scheduled from 10 p.m. Friday to noon Sunday, March 1, to accommodate paving work for a widening project. Additionally, the eastbound Loop 202 on-ramps at McQueen, Cooper, and Gilbert roads will be shut down. Drivers are encouraged to use eastbound Pecos or Germann roads as surface-level detours, or consider the US 60 (Superstition Freeway) as an alternative route.

In Chandler, the southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) primary ramp to eastbound Loop 202 remains closed. This is part of an ongoing two-week project that began last Friday. While the HOV ramp remains open for carpoolers, other motorists should exit Loop 101 at Price Road to reconnect with the Santan Freeway.

In the North Valley, Eastbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) will be narrowed to three lanes between Cave Creek Road and SR 51 starting tonight. While the primary ramp to southbound SR 51 is slated for closure beginning Saturday morning, Friday evening commuters should expect heavy congestion in this corridor due to lane narrowing and initial work zone setup.

Local Street Impacts in Phoenix

Several arterial streets within Phoenix city limits are also seeing restrictions today:

• 15th St & Moreland St: Partial closures remain in effect through today for private development work.
• 19th Ave & Osborn Rd: Expect lane restrictions and partial closures as street transportation projects continue.
• 16th St & Deer Valley Rd: Partial closures are in place for ongoing utility and street work.
• 19th Ave & South Mountain Ave: Long-term partial closures continue for infrastructure improvements.

Public Transit and Commuter Tips

Valley Metro reports that light rail and bus services are operating on a regular Friday schedule. However, riders should be mindful of potential delays on bus routes that intersect with the aforementioned freeway closures, particularly in Gilbert and Chandler. Commuters are advised to leave early for evening destinations and use real-time navigation apps to bypass the major construction zones on the Loop 202 and Loop 101.