SR 51 Resurfacing Project Begins as Transit Detours Impact Thomas Road

Smooth Morning Commute with Upcoming Restrictions on SR 51

Commuters in the Phoenix metropolitan area should prepare for a shift in traffic patterns this week as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) initiates a significant pavement improvement project on State Route 51. While the Tuesday morning commute remains largely unrestricted, major weekend closures and overnight lane reductions are looming as crews begin preparatory work along the corridor.

State Route 51 Resurfacing Underway

ADOT has officially launched a $17.8 million project to resurface nearly 10 miles of State Route 51 between the I-10 "Mini-Stack" interchange and Shea Boulevard. Starting this week, drivers will begin to encounter crews preparing the roadway for diamond grinding, a process intended to replace older, worn rubberized asphalt with a smoother, more durable concrete surface. While the first full weekend closure is not scheduled until Friday, March 13, commuters should anticipate weeknight lane and ramp restrictions starting tonight. ADOT recommends using Interstate 17 or surface streets such as 16th Street and Tatum Boulevard as primary alternate routes during these restricted overnight hours.

North Valley and Loop 303 Activity

In the North Valley, initial work continues on the Loop 303 and Interstate 17 interchange. This $129 million improvement project, which began earlier this year, is currently focused on establishing work zones and relocating utilities to accommodate new direct freeway-to-freeway ramps. Drivers on the I-17 should stay alert for narrowed lanes and shifting traffic patterns near the Loop 303 junction. Speed limits have been reduced to 55 mph through the work zone to ensure the safety of both construction crews and motorists.

Public Transit Alerts and Detours

Valley Metro has issued several rider alerts that will impact local commutes today, Tuesday, March 10:

• Route 29: A nightly detour is in effect on Thomas Road between the I-17 Access Road and 35th Avenue due to utility maintenance. These restrictions run from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. through March 14.
• Route 104: Commuters should expect detours between Washington Street and Frye Road due to ongoing construction, active through March 13.
• Route 45: Long-term construction continues between Dobson Road and Price Road, causing intermittent lane restrictions and minor delays for bus riders.

Weather Impact and Road Conditions

Following scattered showers that moved through the Valley on Monday evening, some surface streets may still have damp patches during the early morning hours. Visibility remains high across the region, and no major weather-related accidents have been reported this morning. However, looking ahead, a significant warming trend is expected to begin Thursday, with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s. Drivers are encouraged to check vehicle cooling systems and tire pressure today before the extreme heat arrives later this week.