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Increased traffic on the Loop 101 in Scottsdale, Arizona due to freeway expansion has raised safety concerns among locals, with a piano teacher worrying that her students might not make it home safely after lessons. Traffic data reveals that the Loop 101 already has the most crashes and injuries per mile of all Greater Phoenix’s freeways. Uber driver Kenneth Schriver said the traffic was impacting his earnings and shared an incident where debris from a dump truck damaged his windshield, setting him back $750.
Increased Traffic on Loop 101 Due to Freeway Expansion Worries Scottsdale Residents
Scottsdale citizens are expressing concern over the increased traffic on Loop 101 as a result of ongoing freeway expansion. The enhanced traffic has particularly worried a local piano teacher, concerned about her students’ safety getting home after lessons.
An accident on Tuesday afternoon on the Loop 101 near Raintree, which left an individual injured, prompted Ursula Newman, a long-term resident of the region, to seek answers from Operation Safe Roads.
“I’ve been living here for three decades, and the current state of this freeway is unprecedentedly dangerous,” expressed Newman.
Maricopa Association of Governments’ traffic data confirms Loop 101 as one of the most dangerous freeways in Greater Phoenix, with the highest rate of crashes and injuries per mile.
Freeway Expansion Affecting Rideshare Drivers Financially
The construction work has also adversely impacted the income of rideshare drivers like Kenneth Schriver. Time translates into money for these drivers, and being stuck in traffic hampers their earnings. One incident involving debris from a dump truck even cost Schriver $750 for a windshield replacement.
ADOT Responds to Traffic Concerns
Phillip Kaplan, a Scottsdale resident and an experienced driver originally from California, noted the lack of patience among drivers due to the traffic issues. In response, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) attributed part of the problem to human factors.
“This is a construction zone with a 55 mile-per-hour speed limit. Drivers need to acknowledge this,” said ADOT spokesman Steve Elliott.
Elliott stated that changes are already underway. Warning signs indicating upcoming merges have been placed on ramps near the construction site.
Even though all ramps meet minimum length standards, ADOT has increased the on-ramp distances where possible. “We’re listening and working with our contractor to make necessary changes,” assured Elliott.
He further urged drivers to reduce their speed while driving through the construction zone. The Loop 101 expansion began in January and is expected to last approximately two years.
If you have any road-related concerns, Operation Safe Roads, launched by ABC15, is inviting the public to reach out via email at roads@abc15.com or call (833) AZROADS.
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