MAG News

A $72 million project to add new lanes and make  other improvements along Loop 101 (Price Freeway) between Baseline Road and Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) is creating a smoother commute for travelers in the East Valley.

The project has added a new general purpose lane in each direction and other upgrades along more than 6 miles of Loop 101, providing more room to merge and improve traffic flow. Loop 101 now has four general purpose lanes and one High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane in each direction along this segment located south of the US 60 interchange. Other improvements include:

• Adjustments to Loop 101 on- and off-ramps. 
• Construction of new retaining walls and safety barriers.
• Upgraded freeway lighting and landscaping. 
• Installation of new digital message signs.
• Widening of the northbound Loop 101 bridge over Chandler Boulevard.

Construction began in May 2019. The speedy completion is due in part to the use of a design/build delivery method. With traditional design-bid-build project delivery, separate contracts are issued: one first for a designer and a second for a contractor. Design/build contracts, on the other hand, bring together a designer and contractor who collaborate throughout the project.

“The design/build approach means projects can be delivered faster from start to finish than with the traditional delivery system,” said MAG Executive Director Eric Anderson. “On this project, it was especially important to complete the improvements on schedule and ahead of the planned Interstate 10 Broadway Curve project. Loop 101 will be an important system alternative when construction closures are needed.”

The Loop 101 (Price Freeway) improvement project was funded in part by Proposition 400, a dedicated sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004, as well as with federal highway funds allocated to the region.