The Arizona Transportation Board has approved a five-year construction program that will include more than $1 billion in pavement preservation projects, several highway widening projects, and safety improvements.
The program, which runs from 2022-2026, allows ADOT to reach its goal of allocating $320 million per year for the rehabilitation of bridges and roadways throughout the state highway system. These projects include repaving and repairing highways and bridges. The plan also includes $407 million for projects to improve highway safety, efficiency, and functionality.
“I want to thank the Board for their thoughtful consideration and approval of this plan that works to address the need for new infrastructure while maintaining existing highways, all within the constraints of limited funding resources,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “The improvements to these Key Commerce Corridors represent two of the most critical transportation priorities in Arizona. 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.”
Projects include $328 million to add lanes along Interstate 17 between Anthem Way and Sunset Point; $83 million to replace the Gila River bridges on Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande; $70 million to construct the first phase of the I-40/US 93 West Kingman interchange; and $41 million to widen US 93 between Tegner Street and Wickenburg Ranch Way.
The plan was approved in a virtual meeting after a 90-day comment period that allowed for public feedback. More than 1,000 Arizonans commented on the projects during that time.