Title
Freeway Program Update
Description
This report provides the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee updates on the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) freeway program within the City of Phoenix. The report tracks major ADOT projects in Phoenix, and new updated information is in bold to highlight areas that have been updated since the last report.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY.
Report
Summary
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Transportation Plan reflects numerous freeway construction projects and studies underway within the City of Phoenix. These projects are funded from the voter approved Proposition 400 half-cent sales tax as well as from state and federal revenue sources. City of Phoenix staff are embedded with ADOT on these major construction projects to ensure coordination of all construction activities with City departments. This report is an overview of the current major freeway projects. A monthly report will be provided to the Transportation, Infrastructure and Planning Subcommittee reflecting project changes as well as new projects.
Interstate 10 (I-10) - Broadway Curve Reconstruction Update
The I-10 Broadway Curve project is planned to improve a segment of I-10 between the I-10/Interstate 17 (I-17) Split Traffic Interchange and the South Mountain Freeway/Congressman Ed Pastor Freeway Loop 202 near Pecos Road. The project encompasses one of the most heavily traveled segments of freeway in the Valley. Traffic volumes within this 11-mile section of I-10 exceed 250,000 vehicles per day and include vital connections to I-17, State Route (SR) 143, US-60 and Loop 202.
The proposed improvements include:
- Adding general purpose and High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes;
- Adding a collector-distributor (CD) road system to reduce the number of lane changes on the freeway;
- Improving connections between I-10 and the SR 143 and Broadway Road to improve HOV lane connections;
- Improving connections of I-10 and US-60 (Superstition Freeway);
- Constructing new bridges to accommodate new interchange facilities and additional lanes;
- Building retaining and sound walls; and
- Constructing pedestrian bridge crossings to improve pedestrian access across the freeway.
Construction began in late 2021 and is scheduled for completion in 2024.
Update:
ADOT Holiday Moratorium (Nov. 15, 2023 - Jan. 2, 2024).
The Developer is close to completing Phase Two, which included utility relocations, roadway improvements, ramp reconfigurations, walls and bridges. Phase Three will begin in November with the implementation of new traffic shifts in order to complete the bridge connections near SR 143 and I-10 and the collector distributor roads.
Loop 101 - I-17 to 75th Avenue Widening
The scope of this project is to add one general purpose lane in each direction to Loop 101/Agua Fria Freeway from I-17 to 75th Avenue. The project includes bridge widening of existing structures to accommodate the new general-purpose lanes. The project work includes diamond grind surface treatment, new concrete pavement, retaining walls, lighting, ADA improvements, drainage improvements, FMS improvements, and signing and striping.
Design and Bid Schedule:
A. Stage V (100%) - November 2023
B. Final Plans, Specifications & Estimate - March 2024
C. Bid Advertisement - Spring 2024
Grand - 35 Study
ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in coordination with the BNSF Railway, City of Phoenix and MAG, are initiating a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and initial Design Concept Report (DCR) for the US-60 (Grand Avenue), 35th Avenue and Indian School Road intersection.
The study proposes that improvements need to be made to the US-60 corridor functionality, arterial street network multimodal opportunities (e.g., expansion of bicycle lane network), and BNSF Railway corridor capacity.
Update:
The public hearing was held Oct. 25, 2023, at Maie Bartlett Heard Elementary School, 2301 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, 85015. The comment period will end Nov. 27, 2023. If a preferred alternative in this study is selected, the next step is to conduct final design and begin right-of-way acquisition. The study is expected to conclude in early 2024 with final design beginning in 2024. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025.
State Route 303 (SR 303): 51st Avenue - I-17 and SR303 Lake Pleasant Parkway - 51st Avenue
AZTEC Engineering Group, Inc. has been selected as prime for final design. Notice to proceed with final design will be late spring of 2023. The design is expected to be completed within two years. There is no construction funding currently programmed.
Artist Selection process has started, and the proposed design schedule is below.
A. Stage II (30%) - Sept. 15, 2023
B. Stage III (60%) - March 4, 2024
C. Stage IV (95%) - June 25, 2024
D. Stage V (100%) - Sept. 2, 2024
Public Meeting spring or summer of 2024
Construction funding is not programmed.
This is an opportunity for artists specializing in two-dimensional artwork who have experience working collaboratively with design teams. The selected artist/artist team will be expected to work closely with the community, the City of Phoenix, and the project design team in coordination with all project partners. To develop the design, the artist/artist team will be expected to solicit community input and review Arizona’s State Highway System Standard Aesthetics and other information that could aid the development of a distinctive and functional landmark aesthetics.
The design enhancements will be integrated into new freeway traffic interchanges on SR 303 at I-17 and 67th Avenue. Enhancements must be cast cement relief and may be included on traffic interchange bridge piers, abutments, safety barriers, and other site improvements. Ideally designs will bolster the visual identity of the surrounding area.
I-10: Papago Tunnel to the I-10/I-17 System Interchange Corridor Study
This study is led by MAG and in partnership with ADOT and the City because of the regional significance of the freeway corridor and its influence over downtown Phoenix and Sky Harbor area. This study will determine strategies to mitigate, and address existing, and expected operational issues. The project team is looking at traffic demand and operations. The next steps include outreach to the public.
I-10/Loop 101 System Interchange
ADOT has initiated a study to evaluate improvements to the Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) and Interstate 10 system Traffic Interchange (TI) in the West Valley.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate alternatives to the TI that will enhance regional travel by improving safety, reducing congestion and improving connectivity.
This study will evaluate the following improvements:
- A new Direct High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) ramp within the existing TI that will accommodate travel to/from the north along Loop 101 and to/from the east along I-10.
- A possible new connection between southbound Loop 101 and 91st Avenue. This connection would be separate from the Loop 101/I-10 system TI ramps and may connect to the existing I-10/91st Avenue TI ramps.
- Evaluation of several other traffic interchange locations and connecting arterial roadways for possible improvement within the project area.
On Feb. 23, 2023, a second public meeting was held at Sheely Farms Elementary School to present recommended alternatives. Alternatives include a direct HOV lane and the proposed 91st Avenue connector ramp. Comments and questions can be submitted through March 9, 2023.
Update:
The Design Concept Report has been finalized. ADOT is working on the contract for the final designer.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the City Manager’s Office.