The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has opened a new northbound lane on Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive in Scottsdale. This addition is part of a $108 million project aimed at improving traffic flow along the corridor.
According to ADOT, crews completed the work during a weekend closure, which included installing new lane stripes and removing barricades before opening the lane early Monday morning. With this change, there are now four general purpose lanes and one high occupancy vehicle lane available for northbound drivers between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive.
A similar expansion is planned for southbound traffic. ADOT intends to open a new southbound lane following another scheduled closure from November 7 to November 10, affecting the area between Princess Drive and Shea Boulevard.
The improvement project began in January 2024 and is expected to finish on schedule by early next year. A separate, short-term pavement improvement project within the current construction limits is also planned for spring.
In addition to adding new freeway lanes, ADOT reports that crews have worked on enhancements such as traffic-signal and turn-lane upgrades at Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard, as well as turn-lane additions at Shea Boulevard, Raintree Drive, and Princess Drive/Pima Road interchanges. Other improvements include new signs, updated traffic signals, and upgraded freeway lighting.
Funding for the Loop 101 widening project comes partly from Proposition 400, a half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004. The initiative is part of the Regional Transportation Plan managed by the Maricopa Association of Governments, which coordinates metropolitan planning for Greater Phoenix.
