Several upcoming Tempe road closures as Smith Road improvement project continues

PHOENIX — Drivers, prepare yourselves as the Smith Road improvement project in Tempe will see several closures through the first week of October.

Northbound traffic from University Drive to Rio Salado Parkway will be closed beginning at 9 p.m. Monday and last through 6 a.m. Tuesday. Cross streets throughout this section will still be accessible.

Southbound traffic from Rio Salado Parkway to University Drive will be closed Tuesday night from 9 p.m. to Wednesday at 6 a.m.

Following the two overnight closures, the intersection of Smith Road and 10th Street will close between Sept. 18 and Oct. 4.

The construction project, which began early 2024, seeks to improve Smith Road between Apache Boulevard and Rio Salado Parkway.

Additionally, northbound traffic on Smith Road from Lemon Street to 10th Street remains closed in the latest update.

City authorities advised affected community members to use McClintock Drive or River Drive if approaching their residence from Apache Boulevard. Motorists were also encouraged to drive with caution when in the construction’s vicinity and to obey all posted traffic and parking restrictions.

For Valley Metro users, the Orbit Mercury route is currently detoured. It began Sept. 10 at 6 a.m. and will last until Oct. 4 at 11:59 p.m.

The northbound segment along Smith Road has a projected finish date of Nov. 2024, while the southbound segment has a estimated completion date of Jan. 2025.