Sunday Commute: Major Loop 101 and Loop 202 Closures Impact Valley Travel
Significant Freeway Disruptions Across the Valley
Commuters and weekend travelers in the Phoenix metropolitan area should prepare for substantial delays this Sunday, February 1, 2026, as several major freeway projects necessitate full closures and lane restrictions. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has issued a travel advisory for three primary corridors, urging drivers to plan alternate routes and allow for extra travel time.
In the West Valley, a critical closure is in effect on the Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway). The freeway is closed in both directions between Interstate 10 and Thomas Road until 1:00 p.m. today to allow for overhead line work by Salt River Project. Southbound on-ramps at Cardinals Way, Camelback Road, and Indian School Road are also inaccessible. Motorists are advised to use 91st or 99th avenues as primary detours until the freeway reopens this afternoon.
In North Phoenix, the eastbound Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) remains closed between Cave Creek Road and State Route 51. This closure began Friday night and will continue through 5:00 a.m. Monday, February 2, for an ongoing ramp widening project. Additionally, the westbound Loop 101 ramp to southbound SR 51 is closed. To bypass the area, consider traveling south to eastbound Union Hills Drive or Bell Road.
East Valley and North Valley Advisories
Drivers in Chandler face challenges on the Loop 202 (Santan Freeway). The westbound lanes are closed at Arizona Avenue for a widening project, with a scheduled reopening early Monday morning. On-ramps at Gilbert, Cooper, and McQueen roads are currently shut down. Traffic is being diverted along the off- and on-ramps at Arizona Avenue. Furthermore, the eastbound Loop 202 on-ramp at Dobson Road is closed until 10:00 p.m. tonight.
For those traveling toward the outskirts of the North Valley, Interstate 17 is narrowed with significant lane restrictions in both directions between State Route 74 (Carefree Highway) and Anthem Way. This restriction for lane striping will remain in place until 7:00 p.m. this evening.
WM Phoenix Open Impacts in Scottsdale
Special event traffic is beginning to build in Scottsdale as the city prepares for the WM Phoenix Open. Starting today, February 1, 82nd Street is closed from Bell Road to Pima Road to facilitate the creation of a dedicated fan entrance. This closure is expected to last through February 9. Travelers should anticipate heavy congestion near TPC Scottsdale and are encouraged to use public transit or designated rideshare zones.
Public Transit Updates
Valley Metro riders should take note of recent policy shifts. Following a Phoenix City Council decision on January 27, 2026, the focus for light rail expansion has moved from the Capitol Extension to the Indian School Road corridor. While this does not impact current service, commuters should watch for increased utility investigations and pre-construction activity along Indian School Road in the coming months.