News Summary
The Arizona State Transportation Board has approved a $134 million expansion project for State Route 347 to ease traffic congestion for Maricopa residents. Key enhancements include adding a third lane, building an overpass, and repaving the roadway. The project is slated to begin in fiscal year 2027 and is supported by local funding efforts. This expansion aims to address safety concerns with over 2,500 reported crashes since 2015, ultimately improving the commute for the local workforce, which relies heavily on this corridor.
Arizona – The Arizona State Transportation Board has officially approved the expansion project for State Route 347, which is expected to help alleviate ongoing traffic congestion that has become a pressing concern for local residents and commuters. The project has been integrated into the state’s five-year infrastructure plan, reflecting the priorities of both state and local officials to improve transportation safety and efficiency in the region.
State Route 347 serves as the primary corridor for the residents of Maricopa, with a striking 80% of the workforce relying on this route for their daily commutes to the Valley. However, the road has struggled to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles. Over the last five years, there have been over 950 crashes reported along SR-347 between Maricopa and I-10, underscoring the urgent need for improvements to the roadway.
The expansion project will span the area between Riggs Road and the city of Maricopa, where significant enhancements will be made, including the addition of a third lane, the construction of an overpass, and essential road repaving. Construction is expected to begin in fiscal year 2027, with a total project estimate of $134 million. A new half-cent sales tax recently approved by the City of Maricopa is set to generate funding for the expansion, projecting annual revenues of approximately $8 million.
Local advocacy and community involvement have played a crucial role in advancing this project, as residents have repeatedly voiced their concerns about traffic hazards and safety during a series of transportation board meetings. Traffic conditions on SR-347 have been a long-standing issue exacerbated by the region’s rapid population growth, which is expected to soon reach 100,000 residents.
In addition to the city’s funding, local governments and Pinal and Maricopa counties have pledged $50 million in matching funds to ensure the project’s success. This collaborative effort highlights the regional commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and public safety. Since 2015, the SR-347 corridor has witnessed over 2,500 crashes and 43 fatalities, indicating a critical need for intervention.
At the transportation board meeting, local officials expressed enthusiasm for the project approval, perceiving it as a significant step toward mitigating traffic challenges. Current design plans are also underway to address particularly hazardous intersections, enhancing overall roadway safety for all users.
The approval of this expansion project marks a pivotal moment for the growing community of Maricopa and its daily commuters who have faced increasing traffic delays and safety concerns on SR-347. As implementation progresses, local leaders and residents alike remain hopeful that these enhancements will lead to a safer and more efficient travel experience in the years to come, aligning infrastructure improvements with the evolving needs of the population.
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