Public Notice: Major Weekend Traffic Alerts and Community Health Updates
Major Weekend Freeway Restrictions and Ramp Closures
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has issued a significant travel advisory for the Phoenix metropolitan area beginning Friday, February 20, 2026. Officials are warning commuters to prepare for a major two-week closure of the southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) ramp to eastbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) in Chandler. This restriction is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. tonight and is necessary for pavement repair and replacement as part of the Santan Freeway widening project.
- Loop 202 Lane Reductions: Eastbound Loop 202 will be narrowed to only two lanes between Price Road and Arizona Avenue starting at 9 p.m. Friday through 5 p.m. Sunday, February 22.
- I-17 Constraints: Portions of Interstate 17 in North Phoenix will see lane restrictions between Dixileta Drive and Dove Valley Road for the Loop 303 Improvement Project.
- Detour Routes: Drivers are advised to use southbound Price Road or Chandler Boulevard as alternates to reach the eastbound Loop 202.
Maricopa County Public Health Measles Advisory
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) continues to manage an active measles outbreak. Health officials have identified community spread following exposures at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and multiple retail locations in the East Valley. Today, health providers remain on high alert for unvaccinated patients presenting with high fever and respiratory symptoms.
- Symptom Monitoring: Residents who visited potential exposure sites are urged to watch for a red, blotchy rash and watery eyes. Symptoms can take up to 21 days to appear after exposure.
- Vaccination Recommendation: In alignment with CDC guidance for local outbreaks, the county recommends that infants between 6 and 11 months old receive an early MMR vaccination dose.
- Reporting Requirements: Healthcare providers must report any suspected cases to the local health department within 24 hours to mitigate further spread.
City Council Updates and Public Service Announcements
Friday, February 20, 2026, serves as a critical administrative deadline for several city items. This includes the 60-day processing limit for a new liquor license application in District 2 for the establishment known as Nadu. Additionally, the city is following up on the 32nd annual City of Phoenix Employee Memorial ceremony held yesterday, which honored the service of fallen fire engineer Frank Contreras.
- Energy Bill Assistance: Arizona Public Service (APS) has reminded residents that assistance programs are active for those struggling with energy costs. Personalized payment plans can be requested through their official customer service channels.
- Airport Access: Ongoing work on the Taxiway Uniform project at Sky Harbor International Airport continues to result in overnight lane restrictions on Sky Harbor Boulevard near Terminal 3. Access to parking remains available, though drivers should watch for barricades.