ADOT turns focus to Loop 303 connection by 2012
SPECIAL FOR THE FOOTHILLS FOCUS ~ 6/23/2010

With the major reconstruction of Interstate 17 in the north Phoenix region essentially finished, the Arizona Department of Transportation will look ahead to the connection of the Loop 303 freeway to I-17 by 2012.
The spring completion of rubberized asphalt paving, prior to Memorial Day weekend, marked the final stage of a two-year overhaul of I-17 that expanded the highway to four lanes in each direction between Loop 101 and Carefree Highway and three lanes in each direction between Carefree Highway
and Anthem Way.
What I-17 drivers are likely to notice now, in addition to the improved flow of traffic in the region, is the work that will create what will be an initial interchange that links the Black Canyon Freeway with the Loop 303, two miles south
of Carefree Highway.
Crews started work last year (2009) on a $70 million project to build an east-west segment of Loop 303 between I-17 and Lake Pleasant Parkway. As part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ 20-Year Regional Transportation Plan, Loop 303 is being constructed in stages within the limits of available funding to pay for the construction.
For example, Loop 303 initially is being built to operate as a four-lane divided highway in its first years of operation. Plans call for expansion to a six-lane freeway starting late in the decade. The good news for drivers is that a connection that will allow them to use Loop 303 between I-17 and I-10 in the West Valley is about two years away (2012).
Work also is well under way on the section of Loop 303 between Lake Pleasant Parkway and Happy Valley Parkway in north Peoria, which also is targeted for opening in 2012.
At this point, commuters notice crews constructing a storm drainage system along I-17 at the future Loop 303 interchange, north of the Dixileta Drive interchange. There are plenty of trenches and holes in the ground as that system comes together.
Another recent addition in the area are power poles, west of I-17, that were installed by APS.
Loop 303 initially will connect with I-17 with a smaller interchange that includes traffic signals to control the turns drivers will need to make to get where they’re going. The larger direct freeway-to-freeway interchange, including curved ramps, will be built as part of the future expansion project.
While the Sonoran Blvd. off ramp has been built, at exit 222, the opening of the ramp awaits the City of Phoenix to complete the cross streets.
ADOT will work to keep local residents up to date on the projects. Information is available via ADOT’s Web page at www.azdot.gov or at www.ValleyFreeways.com.