A recent Arizona Department of Transportation project designed to improve safety and traffic flow where Interstate 10 intersects with northbound Loop 101 in the West Valley is creating positive results that are apparent even during a period of lighter traffic, according to a release.

In partnership with the Arizona Department of Public Safety and Maricopa Association of Governments, ADOT has adjusted I-10 lanes near the Loop 101 interchange.

Crews did some restriping and sign upgrades along eastbound I-10 so that two lanes, instead of one, are now available for drivers to use as they approach the ramp to northbound Loop 101.

“Although we didn’t actually add a lane to eastbound I-10, we did give drivers more room to make the connection to Loop 101,” stated Dallas Hammit, ADOT’s state engineer and deputy director for transportation. “That enhances safety by providing capacity that improves traffic flow and reduces sudden lane changes by drivers.”

The eastbound I-10 ramp to northbound Loop 101 also was restriped to carry two traffic lanes.

“State troopers have noticed a substantial difference,” stated DPS Capt. John Paul Cartier. “The reconfigured travel lanes on eastbound I-10 have led to improved traffic flows, reduced collisions and improved public and first responder safety. This project demonstrates the ongoing partnership between ADOT and AZDPS to advance transportation safety strategies.”

ADOT also adjusted the westbound I-10 lanes approaching the Loop 101 interchange to provide more capacity for traffic in that area.

Crews made changes with one of the two westbound right lanes that previously only connected to northbound Loop 101. That lane now provides the option for drivers to also continue west on I-10. A weekend’s worth of restriping and other work allowed that right lane to be extended beyond the Loop 101 interchange.

“Our top goal is improved safety,” Mr. Hammit stated. “This was a good location to make changes that can limit the slowdowns and sudden lane changes that contribute to crashes.”

The I-10 lane improvements in the West Valley, overseen by ADOT’s Transportation Systems Management and Operations Division, are similar to a 2018 ADOT project along westbound US 60 in Tempe. That project, which earned a national safety award, included lane adjustments that have improved  traffic flow and significantly reduced crashes along westbound US 60 ap-proaching the I-10 interchange.