Construction to upgrade a 13-mile stretch on Loop 101 will be started by ADOT in February.

“It’s going to make a big difference,” said ADOT Spokesman Doug Nintzel.

Both directions will receive a fourth lane from the Interstate 17 interchange to Pima Road in the Northeast Valley.

“That’s going to help with the overall traffic flow, especially during the afternoon rush hour,” Nintzel said.

A new layer of rubberized asphalt will also be part of the project, as will the addition of new sound barriers in certain areas.

As people continue to move into the valley, ADOT views the $185 million project and investment in the future.

“Traffic is of course going to grow in the Phoenix area,” Nintzel said.

The construction will lead to delays, resulting from ADOT closing sections of the Loop 101 from February until spring as workers set up construction barriers. As construction begins, lanes will be narrowed.

“We are really going to need drivers to focus on slowing down to a lower speed limit in the work zone,” Nintzel said. “That’s going to help keep the traffic moving.”

Early 2021 is the projected completion date.