Speed Cameras Return and Major Ramp Closure Affects Monday Morning Commute

Photo Safety Cameras Return and Major Freeway Ramp Closures Affect Monday Commute

Today marks a significant shift for Phoenix drivers as the city officially reinstates its Photo Safety Program. Starting this morning, Monday, February 23, 2026, a 30-day warning period begins for speed-monitoring cameras at 17 high-priority locations across the city. While citations will not be issued until late March, commuters are encouraged to monitor their speed on major surface streets. Key monitoring sites include Thunderbird Road near I-17, Indian School Road from 83rd to 75th Avenue, and Baseline Road between 16th and 24th Street.

Freeway Alerts: Chandler and North Phoenix

Drivers in the East Valley should prepare for significant delays at the interchange of the Loop 101 and Loop 202. The southbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) primary ramp to eastbound Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) is currently closed for a two-week pavement replacement project that began over the weekend. This closure is expected to cause heavy congestion during the morning and evening rush hours.

• Detour: Drivers should consider exiting the southbound Loop 101 at Price Road and using the frontage road to access the eastbound Loop 202 on-ramp.
• HOV Access: The southbound Loop 101 HOV lane ramp to eastbound Loop 202 remains open, though standard carpool lane restrictions are still in effect.

In North Phoenix, the major weekend lane restrictions on I-17 between Dixileta Drive and Dove Valley Road were scheduled to lift at 2:00 a.m. this morning. However, commuters should remain alert for a new permanent work zone layout as crews begin the first phase of the Loop 303 improvement project. Expect shifted lanes and narrowed shoulders in both directions of I-17 near the future Loop 303 interchange.

Surface Street Roadworks

Several local projects are starting today, which may affect those using surface streets to bypass freeway congestion:

• 16th St & Buckeye Rd: Partial closures are in effect starting today for private development work; these are expected to last through Friday.
• 19th Ave & South Mountain Ave: Crews are beginning a long-term partial closure for road improvements scheduled to last through mid-March.
• 16th St & Deer Valley Rd: Expect lane restrictions for utility work starting this morning.

Public Transit Update

Valley Metro bus and light rail services are running on a standard Monday schedule. For commuters looking to avoid the new traffic enforcement zones or the Santan Freeway ramp closure, public transit remains a viable alternative. Riders are encouraged to use the Valley Metro app for real-time bus and train locations, as local roadwork near transit centers may cause minor deviations in bus arrival times.