Press Releases | Have “Tunnel” Vision? MAG Seeks Public Input on I-10 Freeway Study MAG Seeks Public Input on I-10 Freeway Study

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PHOENIX (November 20, 2023) — Chances are if you live in the Valley, you’ve traveled Interstate 10 through the Deck Park Tunnel. In fact, the stretch of I-10 between the Deck Park Tunnel and the I-10/Interstate 17 “Split” interchange is one of the most highly traveled freeway segments in the region, with more than 300,000 cars each day.
November 20, 2023

Agency conducts survey for corridor study of I-10 from Deck Park Tunnel to I-10/I-17 Split

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Kelly Taft, MAG, 602-452-5020

PHOENIX (November 20, 2023) — Chances are if you live in the Valley, you’ve traveled Interstate 10 through the Deck Park Tunnel. In fact, the stretch of I-10 between the Deck Park Tunnel and the I-10/Interstate 17 “Split” interchange is one of the most highly traveled freeway segments in the region, with more than 300,000 cars each day. Now, drivers can help shape future improvements in the area by taking a short survey. The survey will provide the study team with their priorities on improvements to a key downtown corridor.

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is conducting a corridor study of the freeway segment, which also includes the areas of the I-10/State Route 51/Loop 202 interchange “Mini-Stack” and the north-south portion of I-10 south of the Mini-Stack near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

MAG I-10 Freeway Corridor Study Area

The purpose of the study is to address critical problems and issues affecting traffic operations and safety within the study limits. The survey will help the study team recommend design elements, operational strategies, and policy actions that may serve as the basis for the design and construction of future projects in this corridor. It also will establish the framework for potential improvements funded through Proposition 479 that will go before voters in 2024. The survey closes November 30, 2023.

I-10 is the primary access route to and from downtown Phoenix and serves Sky Harbor International Airport. MAG Transportation Engineer Bradlee Williams says the section under study has a lot of safety and operational challenges.

“There were nearly 12,000 crashes reported on this segment between 2016 and 2021, with an average of at least one crash every month resulting in severe injury or death,” says Williams. “There are issues with speed differentials, weaving, and sudden starts and stops. Our goal is to develop recommendations for improvements that will decrease these crashes and improve circulation patterns near downtown that will reduce street congestion and improve airport access.”

The survey will help define improvements that will:

  • Improve safety.
  • Enhance traffic operations.
  • Enhance access to and from all areas of the region.
  • Protect the surrounding communities from negative impact.
  • Accommodate regional travel needs.
  • Enhance HOV access and mobility.

More information is available on the MAG study website: azmag.gov/i-10corridorstudy.

Survey: https://magi10study.mysocialpinpoint.com/