2 new interchanges open on Loop 303

Two new traffic interchanges are now open at 51st and 43rd avenues along Loop 303.

The interchanges will help address traffic growth prompted by current and planned development in the area, which includes providing direct access to the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest contract silicon chip manufacturer.

Other improvements include the construction of new bridges over 51st and 43rd avenues, extending the southbound Loop 303 frontage road from 43rd to 51st avenues, shifting of the 51st Avenue interchange to accommodate the realignment of 51st Avenue, as well as drainage upgrades, new signals, signs, pavement markings and lights.

Construction of the interchanges was funded through Maricopa County’s dedicated half-cent transportation sales tax — Proposition 400.

“Prop 400 is creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, growing businesses right here in Arizona, and securing our state’s economic future,” Gov. Katie Hobbs said. “Businesses like TSMC choose to invest in Arizona because of our world-class workforce and critical infrastructure investments like Loop 303.

“I am laser-focused on investing in our state’s future so Arizona’s dynamic economy can continue to lead the country in advanced manufacturing and innovation.”

Construction of the interchanges began in September 2022, and they are now opened to traffic less than one year later. Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Chair and Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego credited the sales tax for allowing the interchanges to be built quickly.

“Thanks to the funding in Proposition 400, we were able to build these two new interchanges with urgency and meet the growing needs of our community in North Phoenix,” Gallego said. “A big reason TSMC chose our city for their expansion was our modern transportation infrastructure, and these new traffic improvements are that asset in action.”

For Chris Camacho, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), the project is the latest example of the tie between transportation and economic development.

“With TSMC projected to invest $40 billion by 2026, a project like this demonstrates just how important the half-cent sales tax funding is to ensure regional access that corresponds with growth,” Camacho said.

Brian Harrison, president of TSMC Arizona, said the interchanges are being delivered at a particularly important time to support the facility during its construction.

“With the hard work and great support from the state of Arizona and the city of Phoenix, we have made tremendous progress on our advanced semiconductor manufacturing facility,” Harrison said. “A supportive infrastructure is critical for the ongoing construction, our long-term operations, and for the growing footprint of the semiconductor supply chain in the region.

“That infrastructure support includes transportation and the roadways needed in North Phoenix. We are grateful for the efforts by the state to complete these important Loop 303 interchanges.”

The interchanges will help relieve future congestion in the area and allow for continued development and growth of current businesses and services, such as HonorHealth Sonoran Crossing Medical Center, which is located just east of I-17 along Dove Valley Road.

“This interchange project will provide important connectivity not only for today but also in the future as more development continues,” said Todd LaPorte, CEO of HonorHealth. “While we have no immediate expansion plans, we will continue to grow that campus to meet community needs.”

A vote to extend Proposition 400 will be brought forward to Maricopa County residents in 2024.

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