Eastbound Loop 101 closes through weekend in Glendale

Eastbound Loop 101 will close across a heavily traveled Glendale segment from 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, until 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12, for work on the Agua Fria Freeway widening project.

The Arizona Department of Transportation said the closure will extend from 75th Avenue to 51st Avenue. The eastbound on-ramps at Bell Road and Union Hills Drive will also close, along with the eastbound “Texas U-turn” ramp near Union Hills Drive.

ADOT recommends using eastbound Union Hills Drive to reach Loop 101 at 51st or 35th avenues. Drivers should allow extra time, particularly during busy weekend travel periods.

What drivers need to know

• Closure: Eastbound Loop 101 from 75th Avenue to 51st Avenue
• Starts: 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9
• Ends: 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12
• Ramps closed: Eastbound entrances at Bell Road and Union Hills Drive, plus the Texas U-turn near Union Hills Drive
• Suggested detour: Union Hills Drive east to 51st or 35th avenue

The closure affects the northern part of Glendale and a key east-west route used by drivers traveling between the West Valley and Interstate 17. Local traffic may also increase on Union Hills Drive, Bell Road and nearby north-south streets while freeway traffic is diverted.

Other major Phoenix-area closures are scheduled this weekend, including eastbound Loop 202 between Arizona Avenue and Gilbert Road and northbound State Route 51 between Indian School Road and Glendale Avenue. The Loop 101 closure is the primary West Valley restriction in ADOT’s Oct. 9-12 travel advisory.

Closure advances Loop 101 widening

The work is part of ADOT’s Loop 101 widening project between 75th Avenue and I-17. The project is adding one general-purpose lane in each direction, widening bridges at 51st, 35th and 31st avenues, modifying ramps and frontage roads, and improving the westbound Loop 101 connection to northbound I-17.

Construction began in September 2024 and was expected to take about two and a half years. ADOT says weekend and overnight closures are necessary for work that cannot be completed safely while the freeway remains open.

The agency cautions that schedules can change because of weather or other unforeseen conditions. A Wind Advisory is in effect for the West Valley on Sunday, when gusts could reach 45 mph. Drivers should check AZ511 before leaving for current closures, traffic conditions and any schedule changes.