Q&A: Loop 202 Santan Freeway widening work off and running in East Valley

The much-anticipated project to add lanes and other improvements along Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) east of Loop 101 in Chandler and Gilbert started in early August. Here's a check-in with ADOT Resident Engineer Lionel Goy presented as questions and answers:

Lionel, what has the Santan Freeway Improvement Project team focused on so far with the initial construction work?

The first step for the project was to remove the worn top layer of asphalt pavement within the project corridor. That's something I'm sure drivers have appreciated since this removed the rough pavement conditions that existed before. We have set up temporary concrete barriers to create work zones throughout the corridor to help keep the public and workers safe throughout the duration of the project. We have also started bridge widenings in key locations such as Arizona Avenue and Lindsay Road.

What will this Loop 202 project accomplish?

We're making improvements along eight miles of the Santan Freeway. These improvements include adding two general purpose lanes in each direction between the Loop 101 Price Freeway and Gilbert Road and one general purpose lane in each direction from Gilbert Road to Val Vista Drive. This project will also widen the overpass bridges, install new retaining and sound walls and make improvements to local streets crossings within the project corridor. As the project moves along there will be the need to close individual on- or off-ramps in stages, for approximately 60 days each time, for reconstruction that will widen the ramps. There are also a number of other items including lighting, sign and drainage system improvements.

What is a key recommendation for drivers who travel through the project area?

We'll continue to need to implement weeknight and weekend closures and restrictions for these improvements throughout the duration of the project. So we appreciate everyone's patience over the next two years. I would ask drivers to please allow for extra travel time and track where restrictions are so you can take other routes when restrictions are in place. We also ask drivers to follow the posted speed limit within the project corridor and to stay alert so everyone can make it home safely.

Will a lot of the work take place in stages?

The prime contractor is responsible for laying out an overall plan for completing the project. So they will be focusing on working in different areas on various items in order to deliver the project efficiently and on time. I mentioned reconstructing ramps earlier. That's an example of work taking place in stages because no two consecutive on- or off-ramps will be closed in the same direction at the same time. That way we can give drivers nearby detour options. The prime contractor will sequence the closure of the on- and off-ramps to meet these requirements.

ADOT Reminder: You can stay up to date on the Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) Improvement Project between Loop 101 and Val Vista Drive by visiting the project website at azdot.gov/L202-L101-to-ValVista. You also can sign up to receive emailed updates about this and other ADOT projects here.

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