The City of Mesa is moving forward with a major roadway improvement project that will widen Ellsworth Road to three lanes in each direction between Ray Road and Germann Road—a heavily traveled corridor for many San Tan Valley residents.

The project includes traffic signal upgrades, new landscaping, updated signage, roadway striping, and the addition of bike lanes. Once completed, the improved section will provide increased capacity and improved traffic flow between Loop 202 and Germann Road.

Work began December 18 and will last approximately two weeks, with crews conducting overnight potholing activities from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. These activities help locate underground utilities and reduce conflicts during construction.

As part of this early work:

• Ellsworth Road will be closed in both directions at Willis/Pecos Road
• Closure runs from 9:00 p.m. Friday, December 19 through 4:00 a.m. Monday, December 22
• Detour signage will be posted
• The road will reopen to normal traffic during daytime hours

The full widening project will take place in multiple phases, with overall completion expected in February 2027:

• Phase 1: Construction of northbound lanes
• Phase 2: Construction of southbound lanes
• Phase 3: Center median modifications

Each phase will be completed in segments to help limit traffic disruption.

Beginning January 5, 2026, crews will start Segment 1 of Phase 1, working on the northbound lanes from Germann Road to Willis/Pecos Road.

During this phase:

• Northbound Ellsworth Road will be reduced to one lane
• Restrictions will be in place 24/7
• Southbound traffic is not expected to be affected
• Crews will move north as each segment is completed

Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate routes when possible, especially during overnight work and long-term lane reductions. Drivers traveling through Queen Creek can find the latest traffic restrictions on the town's traffic alerts page.

This article is being shared with the San Tan Valley community as Ellsworth Road remains a key commuter route for residents traveling to and from Mesa, Queen Creek, and the Loop 202 corridor.