Arizona State Route 143 (SR 143) is a state‑maintained highway located entirely within the Phoenix metropolitan area in Maricopa County, Arizona. The route serves as a connector between Interstate 10 (I‑10) and U.S. Route 60 (US 60), providing access to the downtown area and the eastern suburbs of Phoenix.
Route description
SR 143 begins at a trumpet interchange with I‑10 near the southwestern corner of Phoenix, close to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. From this southern terminus, the highway proceeds northeast as a limited‑access freeway known locally as the Hohokam Expressway. It passes through predominantly commercial and industrial zones, intersecting with several major arterials, including 44th Street (SR 84 Spur) and 7th Street. The route terminates at an interchange with US 60 (the Superstition Freeway) near the eastern edge of the city. The total length of SR 143 is approximately 7 miles (11 km).
History
The roadway that would become SR 143 was originally constructed in the 1960s to accommodate growing traffic demand between Phoenix’s central business district and the expanding eastern suburbs. It was officially designated as State Route 143 in 1968. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the highway underwent incremental upgrades, including conversion of at‑grade intersections to grade‑separated interchanges and the addition of auxiliary lanes to improve capacity.
In the early 2000s, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) completed a resurfacing project and installed modern signage and lighting to meet current safety standards. No major realignments have occurred since the route’s original alignment was established, and the highway remains an important freight and commuter corridor within the Phoenix region.
Major intersections
| Milepost | Intersection | Destination(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | I‑10 | Phoenix, Tucson, Los Angeles | Southern terminus |
| 2.5 | 44th Street (SR 84 Spur) | Phoenix, Tempe | At‑grade crossing (signalized) |
| 5.0 | 7th Street | Phoenix | At‑grade crossing (signalized) |
| 7.0 | US 60 | Mesa, Phoenix | Northern terminus |
Function and significance
SR 143 functions primarily as a short north‑northeast connector facilitating movement between two major east–west freeways (I‑10 and US 60). It provides direct access to key economic zones, including airport‑related businesses, industrial parks, and retail centers. The highway also serves as an alternate route for traffic seeking to avoid congestion on parallel surface streets such as 7th Avenue and 44th Street.
Maintenance
The Arizona Department of Transportation is responsible for routine maintenance, pavement resurfacing, and structural inspections of bridges and overpasses along SR 143.
Future plans
As of the latest publicly released transportation planning documents, no major expansion or realignment projects have been slated for SR 143. ADOT continues to monitor traffic volumes and may consider minor improvements, such as additional ramp modifications or signal timing adjustments, to address evolving demand.
