Traffic Disruptions in Phoenix Following Multiple Crashes

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Emergency response teams handle a traffic incident on the freeway in Phoenix.

News Summary

Phoenix experienced significant traffic disruptions due to a series of crashes, including a notable incident that temporarily closed State Route 143. Although the freeway reopened, ongoing traffic alerts from other incidents, such as injuries from a multi-vehicle crash and a fatal collision on I-10, highlight persistent safety concerns in the area. Motorists are encouraged to stay informed about road conditions and utilize traffic updates to navigate effectively.

Phoenix – Northbound State Route 143 was temporarily closed on Wednesday night due to a crash near Sky Harbor Boulevard, as confirmed by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The closure affected not just the main route, but also both the eastbound and westbound transition ramps from Interstate 10 to SR 143.

The freeway successfully reopened by Thursday morning, allowing traffic to resume its regular flow. However, ADOT has not yet released any details regarding the specifics of the crash that caused the disruption. Notably, the southbound lanes of SR 143 remained unaffected during this incident, allowing some traffic to continue to and from the area.

Motorists were alerted that additional traffic updates could be received by texting “TRAFFIC” to 620620, a resource that is especially useful during high-traffic events and emergencies.

Ongoing Traffic Alerts

Aside from the incident on SR 143, there are several ongoing traffic alerts in the Phoenix area. The Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway off-ramp at 27th Avenue is closed for a major widening project expected to last two months. Also, the eastbound lanes of the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway experienced a significant 2.5-hour closure due to another crash.

In addition, a collision involving a pedestrian and a patrol vehicle led to a closure of the eastbound lanes on US 60, which reopened around 8 a.m. three days prior. Furthermore, the southbound Loop 303 was recently reopened after a crash at Bethany Home Road, and eastbound I-10 near Picacho Peak reopened after a separate crash that occurred on Saturday night.

Recent Fatal Incidents

In a separate incident early Sunday morning, a person was struck and killed while pushing a stalled sedan on I-10 near 43rd Avenue. The driver of the Scion involved in the incident, as well as the passenger of the Nissan pushing the vehicle, were hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening. Authorities are currently investigating whether any charges will be brought against the driver of the Scion.

Multi-Vehicle Crash in Tempe

In another traffic-related incident, at least five individuals sustained injuries during a six-vehicle crash on the Loop 202 near Priest Drive in Tempe. One person was reported to have life-threatening injuries from that collision, which temporarily closed the eastbound lanes of the freeway while first responders managed the situation. The cause of this crash, along with those that occurred on Loop 202 and the earlier incident on SR 143, remains under investigation.

The events of the past few days highlight ongoing challenges with traffic safety in the Phoenix area, prompting continued attention from both authorities and road users. The Arizona Department of Transportation urges drivers to remain cautious and stay informed about road conditions.