Phoenix, Arizona — A weekend closure on State Route 51 in Phoenix is expected to disrupt traffic as crews begin major pavement improvements.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), State Route 51 will close in both directions between the I-10 Mini Stack and Shea Boulevard during multiple upcoming weekends as part of a resurfacing project.
The first closure is scheduled from 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday, with southbound SR 51 closed between Cactus Road and Northern Avenue during that period.
Transportation officials said the closures are necessary to allow crews to safely remove deteriorated asphalt and complete pavement repairs.
During the work, crews will remove the worn top layer of asphalt, repair bridge decks and bridge joints, and diamond-grind concrete pavement to create a smoother driving surface and reduce tire noise.
ADOT said closing the freeway allows crews to remove debris and complete resurfacing work more efficiently before reopening the road to traffic.
Drivers traveling south on SR 51 who normally exit at Cactus Road will be detoured west to southbound 7th Street, then directed east along Northern Avenue.
Motorists are encouraged to consider alternate routes, including southbound Interstate 17 or Loop 101, depending on their destination.
Transportation officials also noted the project will be completed in segments, and SR 51 will not be closed in both directions at the same time during the planned construction phases.
The resurfacing effort is part of the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Transportation Plan and is funded through Proposition 479, a voter-approved regional transportation sales tax.
The closure could especially affect students, young workers, and weekend commuters traveling through the SR 51 corridor.
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