North Phoenix Loop 303 Construction and Transit Detours Headline Tuesday's Commute

Tuesday Morning Commute: Post-Holiday Traffic Outlook

Welcome back to the first full commute following the Presidents' Day holiday. As Phoenix residents return to their regular schedules this Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the local transportation landscape is dominated by several significant infrastructure projects. While major arterial flows remain steady, commuters in the North Valley and those utilizing public transit in Tempe should prepare for specific restrictions throughout the day and into the evening hours.

Major Freeway Projects and Widening Efforts

The primary focus for drivers this morning is the North Phoenix corridor. Construction continues on the Loop 303 improvement project between Interstate 17 and 51st Avenue. Crews are currently working on the direct freeway-to-freeway ramps at the I-17 and Loop 303 interchange. This project, which recently saw the addition of a second northbound I-17 lane for the Loop 303 off-ramp, aims to alleviate rush-hour congestion, but the ongoing widening to three lanes in each direction continues to impact travel times near the Carefree Highway. Drivers are advised to stay alert for shifting lanes and construction personnel.

In the Northwest Valley, work remains ongoing on the Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) between I-17 and 75th Avenue. While no full closures are scheduled for today, the reduced shoulder space and occasional lane narrowings are expected to cause minor delays during the morning peak. Similarly, in the East Valley, the Loop 202 Santan Freeway widening project between Loop 101 and Val Vista Drive in the Chandler and Gilbert area is progressing, with heavy equipment active near the median.

Surface Street Restrictions

• 107th Avenue: A partial closure remains in effect between Miami Avenue and Albeniz Place as part of local utility and street improvements. This restriction is expected to continue through early March.
• Van Buren Street: Ongoing construction continues to impact traffic and bus stops along Van Buren. Notably, the bus stop for Route 3 has been moved to accommodate the heavy equipment in the area.
• Sky Harbor Area: Reconfiguration work on Buckeye Road between Copperhead Drive and 27th Street is active. While access to the airport remains open, motorists should watch for signage regarding the permanent closure of the access road leading to the West Economy Garage.

Valley Metro and Transit Alerts

Public transit riders should take note of evening service adjustments. Valley Metro has announced specific detours for the Tempe Orbit system tonight, February 17, from 7:00 PM until midnight. The Orbit Mars route will be detoured between Terrace Road/Lemon Street and Rural Road/Tyler Street. Simultaneously, the Orbit Mercury route will see a detour between Dorsey Lane/Lemon Street and Rural Road/Tyler Station due to localized construction. Additionally, the Roosevelt Storm Drain construction project continues to impact the 68CM route, a restriction slated to remain in place through May.