Using Sky Harbor to get to the 51, instead of the 202 West

[Java Jolt]

I never considered the Sky Harbor alternative but I don't think it would help my commute very much because I work in Tempe and live in the southwest valley.

It would allow me to bypass the mess on the 202 but I would still have to get back on the 51 and I-10 and sit in traffic the rest of the way home.

[Valley Native]

I have driven through Sky Harbor as an alternate route, but it only saves a small amount of time compared to the 202. Sky Harbor Boulevard can be backed up depending on different circumstances (mainly the time of year). It might be a good way to avoid the bottlenecks on the 202, especially right before the 51/10 transition, but do I recommend it as a regular route? No. Surface streets are actually more of a true alternate during rush hour, even considering all the stoplights.

[skydude24]

I've noticed a lot of people doing that at Sky Harbor going to work and getting off of work.

It seems like the answer will eventually need to be a toll to travel through Sky Harbor (with current employees exempted of course).

[cab591]

Lower Buckeye is also a good alternative to I-10 West, from downtown until about 59th Ave.

[ElleTea]

I've used it. I have looked at the "minutes to" numbers before I exit at Sky Harbor and see if I get to that point faster using the airport detour. Usually yes by a minute or two. Not a HUGE time saver, but it is a sanity saver. I'd rather keep moving at 35 through the airport than sit on the 202 waiting to get onto the 51, inch by inch. Plus, since you catch the 51 where is starts south of the 202, you don't have to deal with merging. You are already on the freeway.


I never would have thought to go that way until my GPS routed me that way once to avoid an accident on the 202.

[timothyaw]

Originally Posted by skydude24

I've noticed a lot of people doing that at Sky Harbor going to work and getting off of work.

It seems like the answer will eventually need to be a toll to travel through Sky Harbor (with current employees exempted of course).

I know DFW airport in Dallas does this with the freeway that goes through/near that airport. But hey, don't give them that idea.

[Valley Native]

The Sky Harbor "shortcut" is only recommended when there are major bottlenecks on the westbound 202/10 (which is practically every afternoon) ... however, keep in mind that Sky Harbor Boulevard may not always be the best alternate route depending on things like time of year & holiday travel. Also, accidents and police restrictions can & do happen on SHB (see the below image) which would restrict traffic & delay you even further.