Five-Vehicle Crash Closes Southbound State Route 143
The Arizona Department of Public Safety shut down lanes near University Drive following a multi-car collision.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Accidents
A five-vehicle collision has forced the closure of all southbound lanes on State Route 143 near the Phoenix-Tempe border. Drivers are currently being advised to seek alternate routes while emergency responders address the scene.
Why it matters
The closure of this major arterial route near University Drive creates significant travel delays for commuters navigating between Phoenix and Tempe. Local authorities are managing traffic flow until the wreckage can be cleared from the highway.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety has officially closed the southbound lanes of SR 143 to investigate the crash. All involved individuals are confirmed to have sustained only non-life-threatening injuries.
The players
Arizona Department of Public Safety
This is the state-level law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling highways and managing incident responses on major Arizona thoroughfares.
The details
The incident involved a total of five vehicles, causing authorities to shut down traffic moving south near the University Drive junction. While the southbound side remains restricted, officials noted that all northbound traffic remains unaffected.
Timeline
October 27, 2026: Five vehicles were involved in the crash on SR 143.
Legal Context
Highway closures like this one follow established safety protocols mandated by Arizona Revised Statutes Title 28. Such procedures are designed to protect crash sites and manage traffic flow during active law enforcement investigations.
Motorists traveling near the Phoenix-Tempe border should expect significant congestion and are urged to use alternate routes immediately. Residents should remain alert for potential traffic redirection as the cleanup of the crash site continues.
The takeaway
Drivers should prioritize alternative routes during major highway incidents to prevent secondary collisions and reduce area congestion. Keeping current on local travel alerts can significantly minimize commute disruptions during emergency road closures.
Further reading
For more information on current traffic delays, visit the Phoenix accidents section.
