News Releases

Phoenix (December 29, 2025) – Continued population and employment growth in the North Valley underscore the region’s economic strength, while also increasing travel demand on key corridors such as I-17 and Loop 303. To address this need, the first major project funded through Proposition 479 will construct a new system interchange designed to improve traffic flow and reduce daily congestion. 

To prepare for development and provide immediate relief, ADOT recently opened a second lane leading into and along the northbound I-17 exit at Loop 303. The new exit lane will help ease congestion on I-17, improving drive times and safety for travelers. 

This project was made possible by the half-cent transportation sales tax, which gives agencies the flexibility to respond to real-time transportation needs. The flexibility built into the Freeway Life Cycle Program (FLCP) has also helped fund minor improvements to SR 51 and Loop 101 system interchange ramps, and to US 60 (Grand Avenue) at Loop 303. 

The FLCP includes $10 million annually for minor improvements such as adding exit lanes and restriping. 
 

By The Numbers: 

• This year, MAG programmed $2.1 million from the Freeway Life Cycle Program (FLCP) minor improvements allocation to the I-17 and Loop 303 System/Sonoran Desert Drive interchange northbound exit ramp. 

• Previously, more than $4.3 million was programmed for lane striping improvements on SR 51 and Loop 101 to ease congestion. 

• MAG also programmed $4.2 million for near-term improvements to improve traffic conditions at US 60 (Grand Avenue) and Loop 303.   

Why It Is Important:  

“Having the flexibility to rapidly adjust to changing transportation needs in the region is one of the many benefits of the half-cent sales tax for transportation, authorized by voters through Proposition 400 and Proposition 479,” said Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers, Chair of the Transportation Policy Committee. “The ability to use the funding in ways that have an immediate impact on people’s daily lives keeps progress moving forward.” 

In the North Valley, the new two-lane ramp allows traffic to exit I-17 more quickly, helping keep congestion off the freeway. 

“The interim improvements are compatible with the ultimate system improvements, and the addition of the extra lane helps to address safety issues now,” said John Bullen, MAG Assistant Executive Director. 

Before the new lane on the I-17 exit ramp, MAG programmed funding for improvements to the eastbound Loop 101 to the southbound SR 51 ramp to ease severe congestion. The improvement included restriping to add a lane. 

In the Northwest Valley, funding for improvements to US 60 (Grand Avenue) and Loop 303 included the addition of turn lanes and through lanes, and the lengthening of the two-lane portion of the southbound Loop 303 entrance ramp. 

Key Facts:  

• The Freeway Life Cycle Program is the management tool for the implementation of freeway and highway projects funded through Proposition 400 and Proposition 479. 

• The FLCP includes funding for minor improvements on the regional freeway and highway system. 

• Construction on the full system interchange at I-17 and Loop 303 will begin in early 2026.