The Arizona Department of Transportation seeks public comments on its 2023-2027 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program.
The program allocates $571 million for projects that widen highways or improve interchanges. The program also allocates $360 million annually to preserve bridges and roadways, more than $2.5 billion in pavement preservation, and includes $463 million for projects that improve highway safety, efficiency, and functionality, including smart technology or adding shoulders.
The plan allocates $83.6 million in 2022 for the $469 million widening of Interstate 17 north of Phoenix and the addition of flex lanes, $125 million in 2024 for the first phase of the new I-40/US 93 West Kingman interchange, and $70 million for construction in 2026 for the widening of the last two-lane section of State Route 260 in the Lion Springs area.
Work would begin next year on the $83 million widening of the Gila River bridges between Phoenix and Casa Grande.
Highway safety, efficiency, and functionality projects include $68.1 million to expand broadband connectivity along I-40 from Flagstaff to the California state line.
The public comment period opened Friday and concludes June 2. Comments can also be made on May 20 at the State Transportation Board’s public hearing.
The board will consider formal action on the program on June 17.