Four traffic corridors will be expanded and improved under the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) five-year construction program recently approved by the State Transportation Board.
The 2022-2026 five-year program, which also includes more than $1 billion in pavement preservation projects, will fund several projects to widen highways and improve safety that include:
- Adding lanes along I-17 between Anthem Way and Sunset Point, with construction on the $328 million project beginning in 2022.
- Replacing the Gila River bridges on I-10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande. Construction for that $83 million project is targeted for 2023.
- Constructing the first phase of the I-40/U.S. 93 West Kingman interchange. The $70 million project is expected to begin by 2024.
- Widening U.S. 93 between Tegner Street and Wickenburg Ranch Way. The $41 million project is scheduled for 2022.
ADOT says funding of more than $1 billion on pavement preservation projects will bring 581 lane miles of pavement from fair and poor condition to good condition. The widening projects on I-17 and I-10 are advancing through ADOT’s partnership with the Maricopa Association of Governments, the regional planning agency that has committed some of the funds for those improvements.
“The improvements to these Key Commerce Corridors represent two of the most critical transportation priorities in Arizona," ADOT Director John Halikowski said in a statement. "The additional lanes are important to improve safety and efficiency while the state continues to attract jobs, businesses, and economic growth. At the same time, ADOT is investing most rural highway funding to preserve existing roads and bridges to keep them in good condition for the movement of people and freight."
The 2022-2026 five-year program allows ADOT to reach its goal of allocating $320 million per year for rehabilitation of bridges and roadways throughout the state highway system. These projects include repaving and repairing highways, along with repairing or reconstructing bridges. The plan also includes $407 million over five years for projects that improve highway safety, efficiency, and functionality, such as smart technology or addition of shoulders.
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SOURCE: Arizona DOT
