(Photo by Jimmy Jenkins - KJZZ)

ADOT crews work near Ahwatukee to widen Pecos Road.

Traffic is slowing down as construction on the South Mountain Freeway near Ahwatukee shifts into high gear.

Construction on the 22-mile freeway began in the fall of 2016 and ramped up this month.

Arizona Department of Transportation spokesman Dustin Krugel says major projects include bridge construction and the widening of Pecos Road.

"We’ll be able to shift traffic onto the eastbound Pecos lane, so we can maintain two-way traffic during all phases of the project,” Krugel said.

Krugel says motorists should be aware of reduced speed limits in the area. The state plans to open the South Mountain Freeway by the end of 2019.