Source: Arizona Department of Transportation
Beginning next week, Arizonans will be able to provide input on the Arizona Department of Transportation’s annual update of projects proposed to move forward in the next five years and how much local, state and federal funding should go toward them.
In its Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program for 2018-2022, ADOT proposes accelerating some key expansion projects for Greater Arizona due to federal funding increases, grants and state budget appropriations. They include:
- Adding one lane in each direction of Interstate 17 from Anthem to Black Canyon City in fiscal years 2021 and 2022;
- Two Interstate 10 widening projects in Pinal County (State Route 87 to Picacho Peak and Earley Road to Interstate 8), now accelerated to fiscal year 2018 due in part to a $54M federal FASTLANE grant;
- The first phase of a project to improve State Route 189 in Nogales between the Mariposa Port of Entry and Interstate 19, now planned for fiscal year 2019 thanks to a $25M state budget appropriation aimed at accelerating the project, and
- Two major widening projects along US 93 in fiscal years 2018 and 2020 that will bring ADOT closer to its goal of completing a four-lane divided highway from Wickenburg to Interstate 40, laying the groundwork for the future Interstate 11.
These are just some of the projects that are included in the 2018-2022 Tentative Program. The complete report will be available on March 17 at azdot.gov for review and comment.
“Major improvement projects along some of Arizona’s busiest corridors will not only provide better mobility for everyday commutes and travel but will enhance freight movement, trade, commerce and economic development as Arizona expands its reach in the global marketplace,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “While key expansion projects are usually the most visible changes to our transportation infrastructure, ADOT is also committed to protecting Arizona’s nearly $21B investment in our state highway system through dedicated preservation funding.”
This Five-Year Program meets ADOT’s target of $260M per year for preservation. Preservation projects like repaving highways, repairing or reconstructing bridges, and projects to extend the life cycle of existing pavement all keep the highway system in good repair and functioning as it should.
The public comment period for the 2018-2022 Tentative Program begins on March 17. It includes public hearings in Tucson (March 17), Flagstaff (April 21) and Phoenix (May 19). The State Transportation Board will make its final decision in June about what will be in the updated Five-Year Program.
The Tentative Program will be available for public review and comment at azdot.gov/fiveyearplan beginning March 17, where a “how to read it” guide will be available. ADOT welcomes feedback through Survey Monkey at surveymonkey.com/r/M36583J, email at fiveyearconstructionprogram@azdot.gov and by calling 855.712.8530. The comment period ends at 5 p.m. on May 30.
Here are details for the three public hearings and the State Transportation Board’s June meeting where the final Five-Year Program will be approved:
March 17 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting at the City of Tucson Council Chambers, 255 W. Alameda St., Tucson.
April 21 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting at the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.
May 19 at 9 a.m.: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting in the ADOT Administration Building Auditorium, 206 S. 17th Ave., Phoenix.
June 16 at 9 a.m.: State Transportation Board meeting in Payson: Details will be announced when finalized.