Loop 303–Happy Valley Parkway to I-17

• Schedule: Phase I (2006-2010), Phase II (2011-2015). Construction began in early 2009.
• Length: 14 miles
• Project Summary: Construct a new four-lane divided roadway with four interchanges to serve as the interim Loop 303 connection to I-17.  

This section of Loop 303 will be constructed in stages, as outlined in the Regional Transportation Plan.

During the first stage, a four lane divided roadway will be constructed from Happy Valley Parkway to I-17. This roadway will include interchanges (overpasses and underpasses) at Happy Valley, Lone Mountain and Lake Pleasant parkways, as well as an interchange with I-17 at Lone Mountain Road that will serve as the interim connection between I-17 and Loop 303 until completion of the freeway-to-freeway interchange.

Construction of this section began in January 2009. Completion of the interim roadway is anticipated in 2012.

Future plans call for this segment to be expanded to a six-lane freeway with additional interchange locations, and a freeway-to-freeway interchange at I-17. This expansion is currently identified in Phase III (2016-2020) and Phase III (2021-2025) of the RTP.

Loop 303–US 60 (Grand Avenue) to I-17*

• Schedule:   RTP Phase III (2016-2020), Phase IV (2021-2025)
• Length: 20 miles
• Project Summary: Funding is currently identified in the Regional Transportation Plan to complete this section of Loop 303 to a six-lane divided freeway with a freeway-to-freeway interchange at Loop 303 and I-17.

The second stage of proposed improvements in this section of Loop 303 includes the addition of a third general purpose lane in each direction from US 60 to I-17 and grade separated interchanges (overpasses or underpasses) at El Mirage Road, Jomax Parkway, Westland Drive, 96th Avenue, Pyramid Parkway (67th Avenue), 51st Avenue and 43rd Avenue – as well as a freeway-to-freeway interchange with I-17 near Lone Mountain Road.

In fall 2009, due to declining sales tax revenues and decreases in other transportation revenue sources to fund improvements, MAG recommended that some future projects be deferred to later phases of the RTP.

As a result, the expansion of Loop 303 to six lanes between US 60 and I-17 was deferred from Phase II (2011-2015) to Phase III (2016-2020) and Phase IV (2021-2025) of the RTP.

An environmental study began in 2009 to evaluate the future expansion of this segment of Loop 303. The study and associated Design Concept Report evaluate the potential future expansion of Loop 303 to add a fourth lane and HOV lane in each direction, as future funding became available. This expansion is not funded in the current 20-year cycle of the Regional Transportation Plan.

Loop 303 - Happy Valley Pkwy to Lake Pleasant Pkwy (aerial map)
Loop 303 - Lake Pleasant Pkwy to I-17 (aerial map)

Loop 303–Interstate 10 (I-10) to US 60 (Grand Avenue)

• Schedule:   RTP Phase II (2011-2015)
• Length: 16 miles
• Project Summary: Funding is identified in the Regional Transportation Plan to complete this section of Loop 303 as a six lane divided freeway with a freeway-to-freeway interchange at Loop 303 and I-10. Construction is expected to begin in late 2010, starting with the northernmost section of Loop 303 between Mountain View Boulevard and Peoria Avenue.

Funding is included in Phase II (2011-2015) of the Regional Transportation Plan to convert the existing two lane roadway in this section of Loop 303 to a freeway with three general purpose lanes in each direction. One-way frontage roads will be added at the new freeway-to-freeway interchange between Loop 303 and I-10 and also between Northern and Peoria avenues, where the Northern Parkway interchange is planned.

The design concept and environmental study for this segment account for the future expansion of Loop 303 to add a fourth lane and a HOV lane in each direction as funding is available. This expansion is not funded in the current 20 year cycle of the Regional Transportation Plan.

In late 2006, the State Transportation Board allocated $22 million in funding from the Statewide Acceleration Needs (STAN) account to advance several improvements along Loop 303 in Surprise. The work includes construction of a bridge at Bell Road over Loop 303 and an interim at-grade intersection on the west side of the existing Loop 303 roadway. The interchange is scheduled to be completed in 2010. At Cactus and Waddell roads, intersection improvements are being made to enhance driver safety and minimize the potential impacts of future Loop 303 construction on the cross streets and adjacent development. These improvements are scheduled to be completed in 2010.

Our Valley Freeway System is part of the 2004 voter-approved Regional Transportation Plan. We are working hard with our transit partners to implement the voters’ vision and are committed to quality, safety, open communication with our neighbors, and minimal inconvenience to the traveling public.