Southbound State Route 51 to Reopen with Restrictions

Pavement improvement project will require lane closures and ramp restrictions.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Southbound State Route 51 between Cactus Road and Northern Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona will reopen on Monday morning after a weekend closure for pavement improvement work. However, the reopening will come with some restrictions, including the closure of two right lanes south of 32nd Street and the off-ramp at Northern Avenue.

Why it matters

This stretch of State Route 51 is a major thoroughfare in the Phoenix metro area, so the reopening with restrictions will impact commuters and travelers in the region. The pavement improvement project is part of a larger $17.8 million effort to upgrade a 10-mile section of the highway.

The details

As part of the reopening, three left lanes and the HOV lane will reopen on the freeway. However, the two right lanes south of 32nd Street and the off-ramp at Northern Avenue will remain closed. Additionally, the southbound State Route 51 on-ramps at 32nd and 26th streets will be closed, with ADOT advising drivers to use the southbound on-ramp at Shea Boulevard instead. The work will also require weeknight lane and ramp restrictions or closures.

  • Southbound State Route 51 will reopen on Monday morning, March 17, 2026.
  • The restrictions south of 32nd Street and the Northern Avenue off-ramp closure will last through Tuesday afternoon.

The players

Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)

The state agency responsible for managing and maintaining Arizona's transportation infrastructure, including State Route 51.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Drivers should expect ongoing lane and ramp restrictions or closures on weeknights as the $17.8 million pavement improvement project continues through the fall.

The takeaway

This reopening with restrictions highlights the ongoing maintenance and infrastructure challenges faced by transportation agencies like ADOT, as they work to keep major highways like State Route 51 in good condition for commuters and travelers.