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Current and Upcoming SR 51 Closures and Restrictions

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Nightly SR 51 lane restrictions planned from Northern Avenue to Shea Boulevard Aug. 4-7
Southbound SR 51 lane restrictions also planned this weekend (Aug. 7-10) from Shea Boulevard to Northern Avenue

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises Phoenix area drivers to plan for the following nightly and weekend lane restrictions and ramp closures for diamond grinding work:

Weeknight Lane Restrictions (Aug. 4-7)

  • North- and southbound SR 51 will be narrowed to two lanes between Northern Avenue and Shea Boulevard nightly from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting Tuesday, Aug. 4, and ending Friday morning, Aug. 7. 

Weekend Lane Restrictions (Aug. 7-10)

  • Southbound SR 51 will be narrowed to two lanes between Shea Boulevard and Northern Avenue from 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, to 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10. The following ramps will be CLOSED at this time:
    • The southbound SR 51 off-ramps at Shea Boulevard and Northern Avenue
    • The southbound SR 51 on-ramps at Shea Boulevard and 32nd and 26th streets

REMINDER: Ongoing Long-Term Lane Restrictions

  • Northbound SR 51 is narrowed to two lanes from Highland Avenue to Camelback Road for approximately seven weeks. The restrictions began the morning of Monday, July 27, for pavement repair work.
    • NOTE: The northbound HOV and adjacent left lane are open for all traffic within the work zone, including during normally restricted rush hours. Please adhere to the lower speed limit, focus on safe merging and stay alert. ADOT advises drivers to plan for delays during peak travel times approaching the work zone and to consider alternate routes, including northbound Interstate 17.

ADOT advises drivers to use caution and be prepared to slow down and merge safely when approaching and traveling through all work zones.

NOTE: The currently uneven pavement conditions and asphalt remaining on SR 51 bridge decks are a temporary result of the required asphalt removal work completed the weekend of May 8-11. This is NOT the finished surface of the freeway. The remaining asphalt will be removed during upcoming bridge work. The freeway and ramps will be resurfaced to create a smooth driving surface using a treatment called diamond grinding. ADOT appreciates your patience as the project progresses over the next several months.

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SR 51, I-10 to Shea Boulevard Pavement Rehabilitation

SR 51, I-10 to Shea Boulevard Pavement Rehabilitation

Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Project Elements
  3. Project Area Map
  4. Project Schedule
  5. What to Expect
  6. Project Fact Sheet
  7. Stay Informed

Overview

The Arizona Department of Transportation, in coordination with the Maricopa Association of Governments, is starting a pavement rehabilitation project along a 9.5-mile section of State Route 51, between Interstate 10 (Papago Freeway) and Shea Boulevard. The purpose of this project is to extend the life of the pavement and improve the driving experience and safety on the roadway.

The SR 51, I-10 to Shea Boulevard Pavement Rehabilitation project is included in the Regional Transportation Plan for Maricopa County and funded through Proposition 479, a countywide dedicated half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements approved by voters in 2024.

Project Elements

  • Removing the worn layer of rubberized asphalt
  • Repairing and diamond grinding the existing concrete pavement to create a smooth roadway surface
  • Repairing bridge decks and bridge joints
  • Repairing drainage and pavement under the SR 51 bridge at Camelback Road
  • Replacing lane striping and other pavement markings

Project Area Map

ADOT Map showing the SR 51 pavement rehabilitation project area between Interstate 10 and Shea Boulevard, highlighted in orange, with major cross streets and highways labeled. Map is not to scale.

Project Schedule

Construction began in March 2026, and is expected to end in fall 2026. This schedule is subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen factors.

What to Expect

  • Work will require lane restrictions and some full closures on SR 51, on- and off-ramps and cross streets, and will occur primarily during overnight hours and on weekends to minimize traffic impacts. The freeway will not be closed in both directions at the same time.
  • Access to businesses and residences will be maintained.
  • ADOT will provide advance notice of scheduled restrictions and closures to email subscribers and on the project web page.

Project Fact Sheet

ENGLISH
SPANISH
 

Stay Informed

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Subscribe to receive traffic alerts and project updates directly to your email.

  • Phone: ADOT Project Information Line: 855.712.8530
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mail: ADOT Community Relations, 1655 W. Jackson St., RM 170, MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007

Contents

  1. Overview
  2. Project Elements
  3. Project Area Map
  4. Project Schedule
  5. What to Expect
  6. Project Fact Sheet
  7. Stay Informed