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By Doug Pacey
ADOT Office of Public Information

In every city, transportation landmarks are given nicknames. Denver claims a “Mousetrap,” Los Angeles boasts the “Four Level” and Seattle has its “S-curves.” These colloquialisms can be baffling to new residents and some long-timers, too.

Phoenix is no different. Perhaps you’ve heard a traffic reporter refer to slowing at the “Mini-Stack” or a crash at the “Split” and wondered what highway was affected?

Wonder no longer. We’ve compiled a list and created a map, explaining and locating popular nicknames to Phoenix’s transportation landmarks.

Stack – A four-level interchange connecting I-10 and I-17; located west of downtown Phoenix near 19th Avenue and McDowell Road.

Mini-Stack – A four-level interchange linking I-10 to State Route 51 and Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway; located south of McDowell Road and east of 16th Street.

North Stack – Another four-level interchange, this one is located at the I-17 and Loop 101, north of Bell Road.

Split – The interchange where I-10 splits or merges – depending on your direction of travel – with I-17 near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Westbound I-10 splits into lanes that allow drivers to head north on I-17 or continue west on I-10.

SuperRedTan – A multi-tiered interchange in east Mesa where US 60 Superstition Freeway, Loop 202 Red Mountain and Loop 202 Santan meet. SuperRedTan is formed by taking part of each freeway’s name – Superstition, Red Mountain and Santan.

Broadway Curve – Southeast of the Split, this rush-hour-challenged section I-10 is near Broadway Road, and SR 143, by the Phoenix-Tempe border.

Durango Curve – The curved section of I-17 near Durango Street is located southwest of downtown Phoenix.