Expanding transportation options and investing in improvements to existing infrastructure Economy and Growth, Maps and Data, Public Outreach, Transportation The following are three things you should know about what’s happening in the MAG region: 1. Commuting in the Region Expanding transportation options and investing in improvements to existing infrastructure play a key role in getting people to and from work as efficiently as possible. In 2023, the average commute time in the region was 26 minutes. View more commuter data in our Region in Review report at the link below. Commuting to Work 2. Regional Traffic and Travel Trends MAG tracks how our region moves by measuring daily traffic volumes and how long drivers spend in congestion across freeways and key arterials. Using ADOT traffic recorders and speed data, we monitor conditions 24/7 to understand trends and plan improvements. View MAG’s latest Regional Traffic and Travel Trends Charts to see how travel patterns are changing across the region. Regional Traffic and Travel Trends 3. New Approach to Freeway Surfacing As you drive on the region's freeway network, you may have noticed that in some areas the road surface differs from that in other parts. The old layer of rubberized asphalt has been removed, and the concrete below it has now been treated with a diamond grinding surface technique. MAG, in partnership with ADOT, piloted the effects of diamond grinding freeways on noise and heat retention. The pilot showed that diamond grinding offers similar benefits as rubberized asphalt on noise mitigation, ride quality, and heat retention, amongst a number of other performance factors, without the maintenance burden associated with rubberized asphalt. Moving forward, diamond grinding will be the standard for additions and improvements to the region's freeway system. See where in the freeway network diamond grinding has been implemented and will be taking place in the near future at the link below. Diamond Grind Pilot Program Expansion Photo of the Month On March 6, 2026, a groundbreaking was held to commemorate the kick-off of the next 20 years of transportation infrastructure funding by Proposition 479. MAG leadership, including Mayors Gallego, Hermosillo, and Weiers, was joined by Governor Hobbs to celebrate. More Prop 479 Groundbreaking Photos Sign up to receive this monthly newsletter directly to your inbox. Published March 23, 2026