The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is gearing up for a significant milestone as it prepares to host a public hearing on Friday, May 17. This pivotal event will unveil ADOT’s comprehensive roadmap for the next half-decade, encapsulated in the Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program spanning 2025-2029.
Mark your calendars for this essential gathering, commencing at 9 a.m. on May 17, at the esteemed Tucson City Hall Council Chambers, located at 255 W. Alameda Ave. For those preferring remote participation, a virtual session will be seamlessly integrated into the Arizona State Transportation Board’s meeting accessible via aztransportationboard.gov. Interested parties keen on sharing their insights remotely can submit their requests up until 8 a.m. on the day of the hearing, following instructions available on aztransportationboard.gov.
The 2025-2029 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program stands as a visionary $7.9 billion blueprint with a paramount focus on revamping highway pavement and fortifying bridge infrastructure across greater Arizona, extending beyond Maricopa and Pima counties. This ambitious plan earmarks over $2.4 billion for these pivotal upgrades over the next five years, translating to an average annual investment of around $600 million. The allocation encompasses a spectrum of crucial initiatives aimed at preserving, rehabilitating, and replacing pavement and bridges, notably including:
- A substantial $508 million directed towards pavement projects on key interstates such as I-10, I-17, and I-40.
- An allocation of $690 million designated for pavement enhancements on various routes, including US 93, US 60, and state routes 64, 160, 260, and 347.
- Investments of $170 million in bridge enhancements on the interstates and $82 million on other vital routes.
Moreover, the program is set to inject $685 million over the course of five years into projects that enhance highway safety, efficiency, and functionality. These projects encompass a spectrum of initiatives ranging from intersection enhancements to the integration of smart technology and the expansion of highway shoulders.
The tentative program also sets aside $495 million for projects aimed at widening highways or improving interchanges throughout greater Arizona. Some notable projects in this category include the construction of the Interstate 40/US 93 West Kingman Interchange and extensive improvements to US 93, including widening segments from two to four lanes and completing the four-lane divided highway along State Route 260 in the Lion Springs area.
Delving into regional specifics, the Maricopa County region is poised to witness a surge of approximately $2 billion in construction projects developed in conjunction with the Maricopa Association of Governments. These projects encompass pivotal endeavors such as widening Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande, extending Loop 303, and enhancing various sections of I-10 in the far West Valley.
In tandem, Pima County, in collaboration with the Pima Association of Governments, is gearing up for projects totaling $849 million. These include significant improvements to I-10 and the reconstruction of the I-19 interchange at Irvington Road, both set to commence in 2025.
Funding for this expansive statewide program is sourced from a blend of federal and state allocations, complemented by revenues generated from transportation services users in Arizona, predominantly through fuel taxes and the vehicle license tax. Additionally, both Maricopa and Pima counties benefit from voter-approved sales taxes specifically earmarked for transportation expansion projects.
ADOT’s meticulous planning process for this five-year program entails close collaboration with local governments, regional transportation planning entities, and Indian Tribal Communities. This collaborative effort ensures that projects are prioritized based on readiness for construction or design, aligning with the broader vision of enhancing Arizona’s transportation infrastructure.
Notably, ADOT is introducing an innovative searchable project dashboard, empowering the public to navigate through projects seamlessly by highway number, project name, or other identifying features. This interactive database is accessible at azdot.gov/5yeardashboard, offering a user-friendly interface for stakeholders to stay informed and engaged in Arizona’s transportation evolution.
