Several major freeway projects are scheduled to begin or make significant progress in the Phoenix area in 2026, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). These efforts include the launch of the first projects funded by Proposition 479, which Maricopa County voters approved in 2024. In addition, ongoing work continues on widening projects funded by Proposition 400, passed by voters in 2004.
One of the largest undertakings is the Loop 303 Improvement Project between Interstate 17 and 51st Avenue. The $129 million project is set to start by late January and will add direct freeway-to-freeway ramps at the I-17/Loop 303 interchange in north Phoenix. Loop 303 will also be widened to three lanes in each direction from I-17 west to 51st Avenue. This marks the first use of Proposition 479’s half-cent sales tax revenue under the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Transportation Plan. Completion is expected in 2028. ADOT recently added a second northbound I-17 lane approaching and leading into the off-ramp at Loop 303 for increased capacity during rush hours.
A separate Loop 303 Widening Project from 51st Avenue to Lake Pleasant Parkway will also expand Loop 303 to three lanes each way and introduce other improvements, with work scheduled to begin by fall of next year using funds from MAG’s Proposition 479 plan.
In Scottsdale, new northbound and southbound lanes opened along a stretch of Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) as part of a $108 million widening project that began in January this year. Substantial completion is expected in early 2026. Another pavement improvement effort on this section is planned for spring.
Another West Valley project involves constructing four miles of Loop 303 along Cotton Lane between Van Buren Street and Lower Buckeye Road, providing three lanes each way, while two lanes will be built between Lower Buckeye Road and MC85. Preconstruction activities such as utility relocation are underway, with full construction slated for mid-2026 over four years.
The I-10/Loop 101 Interchange Improvement Project will add an elevated bridge for HOV lanes connecting both freeways near downtown Phoenix. The interchange area will see widened roads and a new ramp allowing southbound Loop 101 drivers direct access to 91st Avenue south of I-10. Construction should begin this spring and take about three years.
On Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway), crews continue adding new lanes along a six-and-a-half-mile stretch from I-17 to 75th Avenue, including enhancements on frontage roads and an additional turn lane at eastbound Loop 101 from southbound 75th Avenue. The $140 million project started last September with completion targeted for spring of the following year.
Meanwhile, on Loop 202 (Santan Freeway), Chandler and Gilbert residents can expect two extra lanes each way between Loop 101 and Gilbert Road as part of a $200 million project launched last August; one additional lane per direction will be added between Gilbert Road and Val Vista Drive along with wider bridges, aiming for completion in spring two years from now.
For up-to-date highway conditions statewide, travelers can visit ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at AZ511.gov or use its app available for Apple or Android devices.
