Improvements would carry more cars, improve safety, and increase efficiency on I-10 corridor between Phoenix and Tucson
For Immediate ReleaseContact: Kelly Taft, MAG, 602-452-5020
PHOENIX (July 16, 2019)—A unique partnership of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Gila River Indian Community has resulted in an application for a $2 million federal grant for interchange improvements on Interstate 10 (I-10).
The grant would advance the planning and redesign at two existing traffic interchanges and one new interchange to improve access from the Gila River Indian Community to I-10. The joint application is a one of the first submitted for the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program submitted by a metropolitan planning organization, a Native Nation, and a state department of transportation. This partnership is committed to improving safety, mobility, and access along the corridor.
The partners are submitting the multiparty application for funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) BUILD transportation planning grant program. The application seeks $2 million for the preliminary design of upgrades to two traffic interchanges, one located on I-10 at State Route 347 and the other at I-10 and Wild Horse Pass Boulevard. The funding also would advance planning and design of a new traffic interchange in between the existing interchanges.
“The projects will address capacity issues that are causing delay, improve safety to reduce crashes, and provide opportunities for greater economic development for the Community and the greater region,” states the application. “Together, these improvements will provide significant benefits through increased traffic-carrying capacity, system efficiency, and safety.”
The two existing interchanges are currently configured as diamond interchanges, with signalized intersections at the ends of the off ramps. Both are nearing their 20-year design life and showing operational stress. The designed upgrades will serve the projected 2040 traffic volumes associated with growth in the area.
The application includes 10 letters of support, including those from the MAG Regional Council, the Arizona Department of Transportation, and economic development interests. The application was submitted Monday. Award notices aren’t expected until November.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the BUILD Transportation Discretionary Grant program provides a “unique opportunity for the DOT to invest in road, rail, transit and port projects that promise to achieve national objectives.” Previously known as Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery, or TIGER Discretionary Grants, Congress has dedicated nearly $7.1 billion for 10 rounds of National Infrastructure Investments to fund projects that have a significant local or regional impact.
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