Freeway projects in Mesa, Gilbert will extend 1 road, add ramps to Loop 202

PHOENIX – Construction crews are working on two freeway projects in the suburbs east of Phoenix amounting to nearly $100 million, each expected to be finished in 2022.

The Arizona Department of Transportation said Thursday a $77 million project will extend State Route 24 east, while $21.7 million is going into a new interchange on Loop 202 Santan Freeway at Lindsay Road.

The extension to Gateway Freeway east of Ellsworth Road is scheduled to open by late next year.

The smaller project on Loop 202 will add on- and off-ramps to link up with Lindsay Road and a westbound frontage thoroughfare between the street and Gilbert Road.

Work on SR 24 will force several weekend closures of a westbound on-ramp at Ellsworth Road and overnight street restrictions starting Feb. 19.

The westbound on-ramp at Ellsworth is scheduled to be closed from 9 p.m. Fridays to 5 a.m. Mondays on weekends until March 29. Overnight restrictions along Ellsworth will be necessary over the next four months when heavy equipment has to cross the road near SR 24.

There will be fewer disruptions for the Loop 202 project. The agency said most of the work will be done behind temporary barrier walls.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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