Monday Morning Commute: Key Ramp Closures and Lane Restrictions Across the Valley

Morning Overview for Monday, February 9

Commuters heading out across the Phoenix metropolitan area this Monday morning can expect a relatively typical start to the work week, though several ongoing construction projects and new roadwork initiatives will require extra travel time. Following a weekend of significant freeway closures on the Santan Freeway and Pima Freeway, most major lanes have reopened for the morning rush as of 5:00 a.m., but long-term projects continue to impact traffic flow in the West Valley and Tempe areas.

Interstate 10 and Loop 101 Alerts

Drivers using the Eastbound I-10 in Tempe should prepare for overnight changes starting this evening. The Arizona Department of Transportation has announced that the eastbound off-ramp at Baseline Road will close nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., beginning Monday, February 9, and lasting through Wednesday, February 11. This closure is necessary for barrier wall repairs. During these hours, commuters are advised to exit at Elliot Road and loop back via westbound I-10 to reach Baseline Road.

In the West Valley, the Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) widening project remains a significant hurdle for those traveling between I-17 and 75th Avenue. Key restrictions for Monday include:

• 75th Avenue is narrowed to a single lane in each direction between Rose Garden Lane and Arrowhead Clubhouse Drive. This affects the bridge over Loop 101 and is expected to cause bottlenecking during peak morning and evening hours.
• The eastbound Loop 101 on-ramp at 75th Avenue remains closed for reconstruction.
• The eastbound Loop 101 off-ramp at 35th Avenue is currently closed for a long-term improvement phase.

Public Transit and Local Construction

Valley Metro riders should be aware of a few lingering service alerts. Today marks the final day of the special Route 170 service associated with the Waste Management Phoenix Open. This service will officially conclude at 11:59 p.m. tonight. Additionally, passengers on the 68CM route should continue to plan for minor delays due to the ongoing Roosevelt Storm Drain construction project, which is not expected to clear until May.

In Apache Junction, a new pedestrian safety improvement project begins today, February 9. Construction on Old West Highway (from Winchester to Goldfield Road) and Winchester Road will take place between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. While no full closures are planned for today, lane shifts and construction equipment may slow traffic in the immediate area.

Commuter Strategy

With clear skies and spring-like temperatures expected today, visibility will be high; however, drivers should be mindful of intense sun-glare during the eastbound morning commute. If your route regularly involves the 75th Avenue corridor, the city suggests utilizing parallel surface streets such as 67th or 83rd avenues to bypass the most concentrated construction zones and avoid significant delays.