The freeway did, however, provide a direct link to office developments in the Southbank commercial project in east Phoenix with the city of Tempe.

It headed northward as an expressway, passing alongside the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Just a little north of the eastern edge of the airport, Route 153 met its northern terminus Washington Street.

[5] Extremely low traffic volumes, especially in comparison to the nearby Route 143, enhanced the MAG's decision.

In April 2008 any reference to Route 153 (reassurance and junction signs) on the Sky Harbor Expressway, University Drive, and Washington Street have all been removed.

Beginning in the Summer of 2021, work began on the $800 million I-10 Broadway Curve project, which included reconstructing SR 143 between the junction of I-10 and Sky Harbor Airport with new and expanded flyover ramps at the junction with I-10 including direct HOV access to SR 143.