Loop 303 Improvements Under Study East of Lake Pleasant Parkway

Future improvements including new lanes and traffic interchanges along the stretch of Loop 303 between Lake Pleasant Parkway and Interstate 17 are currently being studied by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) in association with the Maricopa Association of Governments, which serves as the Phoenix-area’s freeway planning agency.
With current and planned development in areas along Loop 303 west of I-17, the study is being conducted in anticipation of a growth in traffic using the freeway.

The study is evaluating a shorter-term addition of a third traffic lane in each direction along Loop 303 between Lake Pleasant Parkway and I-17, while also looking at an ultimate freeway configuration that includes four general purpose lanes and a carpool (HOV) lane in each direction.

Additionally, the ongoing study will evaluate interim and ultimate improvements to the interchange connecting I-17 and Loop 303, including direct freeway-to-freeway ramps. A possible traffic interchange at Loop 303 and 67th Avenue also is being examined.

Meanwhile, ADOT also is looking ahead to a near-term project to construct new Loop 303 interchanges at 43rd and 51st avenues. The interchanges are currently in design with construction anticipated to begin in fall 2022 and completion expected in 2023.

ADOT conducted a virtual public meeting about the Loop 303 study on Wednesday, Oct. 20. There is still time for comments related to the study and planned improvements. Visit azdot.gov/L303LakePleasantI-17 to learn more about the study and ways to submit comments.

The Loop 303 study is being conducted in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration and the cities of Peoria and Phoenix.

ADOT has made substantial progress on a current project to widen Loop 303 to three lanes in each direction between Happy Valley and Lake Pleasant parkways in Peoria. Freeway traffic was recently switched to new bridges carrying Loop 303 over the Beardsley Canal and the interchange providing a connection with Peoria’s new Jomax Parkway, north of Happy Valley Parkway. The project between Happy Valley and Lake Pleasant parkways is scheduled for completion next year.