Presidents' Day Commute: Smooth Morning Travel with Major Loop 202 Closures Starting Tonight

Morning Commute Overview

Good morning, Phoenix. As we observe Presidents' Day this Monday, February 16, 2026, commuters can expect significantly lighter traffic volumes across the Valley. With many schools and government offices closed for the holiday, the typical rush-hour congestion on the I-10 and Loop 201 has been minimal. However, several long-term projects and significant evening closures starting tonight require your attention.

Major Freeway Reopenings

Commuters in the Northwest Valley will find relief this morning as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) successfully reopened the Eastbound Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) at 5:00 a.m. The stretch between 51st Avenue and Interstate 17 had been closed throughout the weekend for an ongoing widening project. While all lanes and ramps are now open, drivers should be alert for residual work crews and potential minor debris clearing in the area during the early hours.

Alert: Evening Closures on Loop 202 (Santan Freeway)

While the morning is clear, the evening commute will bring significant changes to the Southeast Valley. Starting at 9:00 p.m. tonight, Monday, Feb. 16, major restrictions will begin on the Westbound Loop 202:

• Arizona Avenue Off-Ramp Closure: The westbound off-ramp at Arizona Avenue will close for approximately 60 days for reconstruction. Drivers should plan to use the McQueen Road or Alma School Road off-ramps as alternatives.
• McQueen Road On-Ramp: The westbound Loop 202 on-ramp at McQueen Road will be closed tonight from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. Tuesday for pavement work.
• Lane Restrictions: Westbound Loop 202 will be narrowed to two lanes near McQueen Road during the overnight hours.

Valley Metro Transit Schedule

Valley Metro is operating on a modified schedule today due to the holiday. Please take note of the following service changes:

• Weekday Schedule: Local bus, light rail, and streetcar services are running on a standard weekday schedule.
• No Express/RAPID Service: There is no RAPID or Express bus service today.
• Customer Service Closures: Customer service windows at the Central Station, Ed Pastor, and Sunnyslope transit centers are closed today. The main customer service phone line is available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Surface Street Watch

In central Phoenix, utility work continues to impact 19th Avenue and McDowell Road. Expect partial lane closures and turn restrictions in this intersection through the end of the week. Additionally, private development work on 107th Avenue between Miami Avenue and Albeniz Place continues to restrict traffic to one lane in each direction. Local drivers are encouraged to use 99th Avenue or 115th Avenue to avoid delays.