Loop 303 Closed North of Surprise After Crash

The Arizona Department of Transportation shut down northbound lanes following a vehicle collision at Milepost 117.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Accidents

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a winding desert highway path at night, evoking the restriction of regional transit traffic. — Northbound Loop 303 remained closed near Surprise on Tuesday night following a vehicle collision reported at Milepost 117. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Northbound lanes of Loop 303 were closed near Surprise on October 13, 2026, due to a vehicle crash at Milepost 117. The incident caused the closure of the highway at Bell Road starting at approximately 9:20 p.m.

Why it matters

The closure of a major transit artery affects traffic flow for local residents and commuters in the Surprise area. Authorities are managing the scene to ensure safety while limiting the impact on regional travel.

The closure of northbound Loop 303 at Bell Road began at 9:20 p.m. following a crash at Milepost 117. Southbound lanes currently remain open to traffic while the investigation proceeds.

The players

Arizona Department of Transportation

This is the state agency responsible for the planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of the state's highway system.

The details

The Arizona Department of Transportation initiated the closure to secure the crash site located just north of Surprise. The affected stretch of highway remains restricted to accommodate the response to the collision.

The crash and highway closure took place on October 13, 2026.
The closure of the northbound lanes began at 9:20 p.m.

Legal Context

The lane shutdown follows the standard safety protocols established for managing major traffic incidents on state highways. Such closures are governed by the Arizona Department of Transportation's highway closure protocols to maintain scene safety and expedite clearance.

Drivers in the Surprise area should anticipate delays and seek alternate routes until the northbound lanes of Loop 303 are reopened. Residents are advised to monitor traffic updates for information on when the highway section at Bell Road will be cleared.

The takeaway

Drivers should always exercise caution when traveling through areas with active emergency response vehicles. Planning your route ahead of time can help you avoid significant delays during unexpected highway closures.