The Arizona Department of Transportation recently released its summary of highway projects that are either beginning, continuing or slated for completion this year. Three of those projects impact the greater North Phoenix area.

---

Ramp Widening : Sonoran Desert Drive

In an effort to reduce traffic congestion on the I-17 northbound off-ramp at Sonoran Desert Drive, the Arizona Department of Transportation is going to add a second lane to the off-ramp to increase vehicle capacity, and construction is scheduled to begin this month. 

In addition to the widening of the road, ADOT will be constructing a new storm drain, installing new overhead signage and restriping the ramp and the outside lanes of the northbound I-17 to accommodate the new ramp configuration, according to a project sheet from the department. 

No closures of the off-ramp or northbound I-17 are anticipated, however lane restrictions are expected but at a minimal level, according to ADOT. 

The project is estimated to take four months to complete. 

Planning for a future Loop 303 direct connection to I-17 is in the works through a partnership between ADOT, the Maricopa Association of Governments and the cities of Phoenix and Peoria. Once the direct connection is in place, traffic to and from I-17 from Loop 303 will no longer be routed through the Sonoran Desert Drive interchange.

That project also includes the addition of another general purpose lane in each direction along the 303 and bridges to accommodate a future interchange at 67th Avenue, all to address growing traffic demands in the area. 

Stay Informed Sign up to receive advance notifications from ADOT on the project by email at projects@azdot.gov or contact the project hotline at 855-712-8530.

---

Resurfacing : Carefree Highway to Anthem Way

Following completion of the resurfacing of I-17 between Happy Valley Road and Carefree Highway, which resulted in numerous weekend and overnight freeway closures, ADOT has begun work on pavement improvements on the next segment of I-17 from Carefree Highway to Anthem Way. 

The project began in June with work on cross-street sidewalks and guardrail replacement near the Anthem Way interchange. This month, crews will start resurfacing work on I-17 and the interchange ramps between Carefree Highway and Anthem Way by removing a top layer of the existing pavement and replacing the asphalt. 

On- and off-ramp closures will take place at times overnight, but Nintzel said traffic will be able to use nearby ramps. Project completion is expected in spring 2026.

Info www.azdot.gov/projects/central-district-projects/i17-sr74-anthem-way-pavement-rehabilitation

---

New Flex Lanes : Black Canyon City to Sunset Point

New travel lanes are now open between Anthem Way and Black Canyon City in both directions, marking a major milestone for the project.

The new third lanes officially opened in late May along the 15-mile stretch and construction continues on eight miles of flex lanes between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point. The project began in late 2022 and is expected to be completed later this year. 

Construction operations continue in the flex lanes corridor between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point. The two flex lanes will be available intermittently to drivers during the next several weeks. Once the project is complete this year and the flex lanes are fully open and operational, they will be open to traffic seven days a week.  

As construction continues, lane closures will primarily be limited to weeknights from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., and no weekend lane closures are anticipated.

Info www.improvingi17.com

---

Project Update Loop 303 : I-17 to Lake Pleasant Parkway 

Roughly a year ago, ADOT revealed a look at its plans for the I-17 and Loop 303 interchange improvements, along with widening Loop 303 between I-17 and Lake Pleasant Parkway. 

The project entails two components:

1. A third general purpose lane in each direction of Loop 303 between I-17 and Lake Pleasant along with bridge construction over 67th Avenue to accommodate a future traffic interchange.

2. A new I-17/Loop 303 system interchange to provide a direct connection between the two freeways in all directions, in lieu of routing traffic through the Sonoran Desert Drive interchange.

The Loop 303 & I-17 interchange is currently being advertised for a construction contract and is expected to be under contract in the fall, with construction to begin shortly thereafter, Laurie King, director of communications for Maricopa Association of Governments told Valley Vibe.

The widening of Loop 303 from I-17 to Lake Pleasant Parkway is planned to start in the summer of 2026, King said. 

---