The Arizona Department of Transportation has begun work on a major transportation project to extend Loop 303 between Maricopa County Road 85 and Van Buren Street, a move officials say will improve traffic flow and regional connectivity in the West Valley.

The project, developed in cooperation with the city of Goodyear, the Federal Highway Administration, the Maricopa Association of Governments and the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, officially begins Monday, Dec. 22. Drivers should expect delays and lane restrictions as construction gets underway.

The new segment of Loop 303 will run north from MC 85 to Van Buren Street and will be elevated over cross streets and the Union Pacific Railroad.

The project is based on a transportation study completed by ADOT in 2018.

Plans call for two general-purpose lanes in each direction between MC 85 and Lower Buckeye Road, expanding to three lanes in each direction from Lower Buckeye Road to Van Buren Street. Several new and improved interchanges are included, such as the completion of the south half of the Van Buren Street diamond interchange, a full diamond interchange at Yuma Road and a half diamond interchange at Elwood Street. A signalized intersection will also be built at MC 85.

To maintain access for local traffic, the project includes one-way frontage roads in each direction, with connections to major arterial streets from Elwood Street to Van Buren Street.

Drainage and flood control improvements are also a significant part of the project. These include replacing neighborhood retention basins along the Canyon Trails Channel, connecting the channel to the Loop 303 Outfall Channel, constructing a first flush basin near Citrus and Broadway roads, and building linear drainage basins between Elwood Street and MC 85.

Additional features include new sound walls where warranted by noise analysis, as well as updated lighting, signage and other roadway infrastructure.

Construction is expected to last about four years. ADOT officials encourage motorists to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and stay alert in work zones as the project progresses.

Visit azdot.gov for more information.