I-11

Freight can’t move by bus

Freight can’t move by bus

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Freight can’t move by bus

Freight can’t move by bus

I-11 assessment requires vision, recognition of growing needs
October 6, 2014

ADOT Director John Halikowski

By John Halikowski
Director, Arizona Department of Transportation

In a zeal to support its urban-focused, transit-or-nothing agenda, the Public Interest Research Group has ignored important considerations about the proposed Interstate 11 corridor, including the facts about the future of freight traffic in Arizona and the growing transportation needs across the state.

In suggesting the Arizona Department of Transportation is somehow using inaccurate or obsolete data in analyzing the I-11 corridor, PIRG fails to recognize the true needs facing the transportation system across Arizona and the critical role the movement of freight will play in our economic future. Freight shipments are expected to triple in Arizona by 2050, exceeding 600 billion tons of freight on Arizona’s highways a year. And, as the population of the state continues to grow, so too will the needs of our transportation network – including highways and mass-transit opportunities.

I-11 isn’t a highway for today. This is a corridor for the future – a future in Arizona that has the state at the center of a worldwide economy. I-11 is not about enhancing the drive to Las Vegas for tourists. This corridor – which could include a highway, passenger and freight rail, and energy transmission – is about moving freight through Arizona safely and efficiently. There will be benefits for tourist traffic, but the investment in I-11 will support the state’s growing business sectors and our position in the modern economy. Just like the vision regional planners had for the Valley’s freeway system in the 1960s, ADOT today has to look at the needs of the future.

PIRG also fails to recognize the largely rural nature of transportation in Arizona. While some young urbanites might prefer transit over new highways, that’s not a practicable option outside of the Phoenix and Tucson regions. Arizona is a large state with transportation challenges that cannot and will not be solved by transit alone. ADOT continues to study a Phoenix-to-Tucson passenger rail line, recognizing that I-10 cannot be the only choice for travel between these two major regions in the future. We need alternatives, but you can’t move freight by bus. We have to consider all options to meet the needs of passenger cars, trucks, rail, transit, air traffic, pedestrians and bikes.

Despite PIRG’s claims, ADOT is investing more than 40 percent of its highway budget in preserving and protecting the current highway system. This spending on preservation secures our investment in highways that taxpayers have made over the decades, and ensures that we have the infrastructure we need for the demands of today and the future.

At ADOT, we are obligated to look forward and consider the future needs and demands of our transportation system. The “transportation system” must contribute to ensuring that Arizonans both today and tomorrow have provided no less than the best quality of life for our citizens. PIRG’s narrow viewpoint will not meet that need. Transportation has to be about more than just moving people – it is about moving our economy and supporting good jobs in the state for us and future Arizonans. You can’t do that with buses alone.

For more information on the Interstate 11 study, visit i11study.com.

ADOT pursuing nearly $70 million for projects that aid interstate commerce, trade with Mexico

ADOT pursuing nearly $70 million for projects that aid interstate commerce, trade with Mexico

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT pursuing nearly $70 million for projects that aid interstate commerce, trade with Mexico

ADOT pursuing nearly $70 million for projects that aid interstate commerce, trade with Mexico

May 7, 2014

PHOENIX — In an effort to stay competitive in the global market, the Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking nearly $70 million in federal discretionary grants for projects that will drive Arizona’s economy, while promoting interstate commerce and trade with Mexico.

ADOT submitted three federal grant applications in the sixth round of the federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants last week. All three critical projects would create a substantial number of jobs for Arizonans, while ensuring Arizona remains a vital trading corridor with its port neighbors to the west (Long Beach and Los Angeles) and the south (Mexico).

ADOT is seeking $35 million for a rural/urban highway planning grant for the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study Environmental Impact Statement, which would facilitate the necessary environmental assessments for this Key Commerce Corridor — a corridor that is expected to bring enormous economic and safety benefits for Arizona’s communities, tourists and commerce connections.

Other 2014 projects for TIGER grant consideration include $24.5 million to rehabilitate a bridge approaching the Virgin River Gorge on Interstate 15 in Mohave County in the northwest corner of Arizona between the Nevada and Utah state lines. While most Arizonans have never driven on this remote stretch of highway, I-15 is critical to California, Nevada and Utah as a freight corridor.

ADOT also submitted a $9.5 million grant to improve Arizona-California border crossing times at the Ehrenberg Port of Entry on Interstate 10 in La Paz County. The upgraded port of entry will ensure safer travel on state roadways through enforcement of state and federal size, weight and safety regulations for commercial vehicles.

Since 2009, Congress has dedicated more than $4.1 billion in TIGER grant funding for road, rail, transit and port projects, including $600 million for the current fiscal year, which is available to all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

During the first five rounds of the TIGER program, which began in 2009, Arizona has received funding for three projects.

In 2013, the Port of Tucson received a $5 million grant in the fifth round of TIGER funding to provide higher speed access between the Union Pacific mainline and the Port of Tucson’s International Intermodal yard.

In 2012, ADOT successfully secured a $21.6 million grant to improve Virgin River Gorge Bridge No. 6 on I-15 (milepost 16) in the fourth round of TIGER funding. That rehabilitation project is the first of the eight bridges along the I-15 corridor that has been identified for repair. The $27 million project launched this spring and is slated to take up to two years to complete.

In 2010, the Tucson won federal funding for a $63 million modern streetcar project during the first round of TIGER grants.

The following are the projects that ADOT submitted for TIGER grant consideration this year:

  • I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study ($35 million grant; total cost $60 million): Although the Corridor Concept Report is expected to be released this summer to finalize the purpose and need, corridor recommendations and implementation requirements for the I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor, no funding sources have been identified for carrying out the provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act, including an Environmental Impact Statement. ADOT is seeking TIGER grant funding to develop the environmental document for this critical corridor that would run from border to border in Arizona. The environmental report would analyze potential infrastructure investments along the I‑11 and Intermountain West Corridor in Arizona to improve north-to-south mobility in the state, enhance trade corridors, and connect rural communities to jobs, schools and employment centers. The corridor would be more than 400 miles long, passing through rural and urban areas of Arizona.
  • I-15 Virgin River Bridge No. 1 ($24.5 million grant; total cost $35 million): This I-15 bridge (milepost 10) is located in the Virgin River Gorge and serves as a vital link between the states of California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and beyond. The bridge, built in 1964, is rated as “structurally deficient,” meaning it is safe, but requires repair or improvement. While most Arizonans have never driven on this remote 29-mile stretch of highway, it is a critical commercial trade route in North America used by more than 1.4 million trucks annually. Closures or even restrictions to this route would result in detours of 250 miles for heavier trucks, and nearly 600 miles for the triple-trailer combinations. The rehabilitation project would include the replacement of the bridge’s superstructure (girders, deck and railings), as well as widening the narrow roadway.
  • I-10/Ehrenberg Port of Entry Improvements, Phase II ($9.5 million grant; total cost $13.6 million): The project would reconstruct the facility, which was built in 1976, and provide an effective electronic screening system to better facilitate the safe movement of commercial truck traffic into Arizona. The port of entry is located in western Arizona along I-10, approximately three miles from the California state line. As one of the nation’s primary transportation corridors, I-10 provides a safe and expeditious route for commercial truck traffic to deliver goods from international sea ports in Southern California to Arizona and across the nation. The project is being built in two phases. The first phase is expected to start late this year.

TIGER grants are awarded to transportation projects that have a significant national or regional impact. Projects are chosen for their ability to contribute to the long-term economic competitiveness of the nation, improve the condition of existing transportation facilities and systems, increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve the safety of U.S. transportation facilities, and enhance the quality of living and working environments of communities through increased transportation choices and connections. The U.S. Department of Transportation gives priority to projects that are expected to create and preserve jobs and stimulate increases in economic activity.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to announce the recipients of the Fiscal Year 2014 TIGER grants later this year.

New I-11 signs mark congressionally designated corridor

New I-11 signs mark congressionally designated corridor

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New I-11 signs mark congressionally designated corridor

New I-11 signs mark congressionally designated corridor

March 25, 2014

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and ADOT Director John Halikowski at a March 21 event unveiling the new signs.

When a new highway sign is installed, the act normally isn’t too noteworthy.

But on Friday March 21, some new signs got a lot of attention because of what they represent…

The new signs mark the future I-11 corridor between Phoenix and Las Vegas. They were installed by ADOT along US 93, a likely route for the proposed interstate. Four of the “Future I-11 Corridor” signs have been installed leading to the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge, which was constructed in 2010 to interstate-highway standards.

“I-11 will serve a vital role in commerce and trade, not only for Arizona and Nevada but for the country and neighboring nations. Equally important, it will connect the two biggest cities in the United States without an interstate between them: Phoenix and Las Vegas,” Arizona Governor Jan Brewer said at the March 21 event unveiling the new signs. “I-11 will be the first direct trade route from western Mexico to Canada through our two great states. We know transportation is a primary driver of commerce and tourism – and we should continually seek to enhance our economic competiveness. By facilitating the movement of goods and people through a direct Mexico-to-Canada interstate, I-11 will pay dividends in fostering this crucial mission and boosting important international partnerships.”

The 2012 federal transportation bill designated the I-11 corridor between Phoenix and Las Vegas. Efforts are ongoing to secure the same recognition – and perhaps some preliminary funding – for segments stretching south to Mexico and north toward Canada.

“Ultimately, I-11 will be more than a route connecting communities. It will be a transportation corridor linking economies to generate prosperity for the region,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “In Arizona, we are focusing on our state’s Key Commerce Corridors. Interstate 11 is part of the mix. The longest concrete arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere, named in memory of Mike O’Callaghan and Pat Tillman, is ready and waiting to be the backbone of the I-11 Corridor.”

The I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

The Arizona and Nevada transportation departments have been working since 2012 on the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study, which includes detailed corridor planning of an interstate link between the Phoenix and Las Vegas metropolitan areas, and an extension of the corridor that would run through southern Arizona to Mexico and north through Nevada toward Canada.

The Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study is a two-year, multiphase, high-level study examining the feasibility, benefits, opportunities and constraints of a proposed new interstate highway corridor. This initial study is expected to be completed later this year. Funding to construct a potential corridor has not been identified. In addition to the Arizona and Nevada departments of transportation, the Maricopa Association of Governments, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Federal Highway Administration and Federal Railroad Administration are partners in the study.

For more information about the I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study, visit i11study.com or check out our previous blog posts.

Future Interstate 11 sign unveiling marks congressionally designated corridor

Future Interstate 11 sign unveiling marks congressionally designated corridor

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Future Interstate 11 sign unveiling marks congressionally designated corridor

Future Interstate 11 sign unveiling marks congressionally designated corridor

March 24, 2014

PHOENIX – They are just signs, but they say a lot.

New highway signs marking the future I-11 corridor between Phoenix and Las Vegas have been installed by the Arizona Department of Transportation along US 93, a likely route for the proposed interstate. Four of the “Future I-11 Corridor” signs have been installed leading to the Hoover Dam Bypass bridge, which was constructed in 2010 to interstate-highway standards.

“I-11 will serve a vital role in commerce and trade, not only for Arizona and Nevada but for the country and neighboring nations. Equally important, it will connect the two biggest cities in the United States without an interstate between them: Phoenix and Las Vegas,” Arizona Governor Jan Brewer said at a March 21 event unveiling the new signs. “I-11 will be the first direct trade route from western Mexico to Canada through our two great states. We know transportation is a primary driver of commerce and tourism – and we should continually seek to enhance our economic competiveness. By facilitating the movement of goods and people through a direct Mexico-to-Canada interstate, I-11 will pay dividends in fostering this crucial mission and boosting important international partnerships.”

The 2012 federal transportation bill designated the I-11 corridor between Phoenix and Las Vegas. Efforts are ongoing to secure the same recognition – and perhaps some preliminarily funding – for segments stretching south to Mexico and north toward Canada.

“Ultimately, I-11 will be more than a route connecting communities. It will be a transportation corridor linking economies to generate prosperity for the region,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “In Arizona, we are focusing on our state’s Key Commerce Corridors. Interstate 11 is part of the mix. The longest concrete arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere, named in memory of Mike O’Callaghan and Pat Tillman, is ready and waiting to be the backbone of the I-11 Corridor.”

The Arizona and Nevada transportation departments have been working since 2012 on the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study, which includes detailed corridor planning of an interstate link between the Phoenix and Las Vegas metropolitan areas, and an extension of the corridor that would run through southern Arizona to Mexico and north through Nevada toward Canada.

The Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study is a two‐year, multiphase, high‐level study examining the feasibility, benefits, opportunities and constraints of a proposed new interstate highway corridor. This initial study is expected to be completed later this year. Funding to construct a potential corridor has not been identified. In addition to the Arizona and Nevada departments of transportation, the Maricopa Association of Governments, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Federal Highway Administration and Federal Railroad Administration are partners in the study.

For more information about the I‐11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study, visit i11study.com.

Much effort needed to move I-11 from concept to reality

Much effort needed to move I-11 from concept to reality

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Much effort needed to move I-11 from concept to reality

Much effort needed to move I-11 from concept to reality

March 12, 2014

By John S. Halikowski, Director
Arizona Department of Transportation

ADOT Director John S. Halikowski

I have heard that there are people in Southern Arizona who believe ADOT is “prioritizing” efforts to study the Phoenix to Las Vegas Interstate 11 corridor over potential corridor links in Southern Arizona to Mexico. Anyone assuming that “Southern Arizona is off the table regarding I-11” is just plain wrong. ADOT has taken a holistic approach to studying both the congressionally designated segment and the critical link to the international border as part of the I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study. Both segments are equally worthy of study to determine their importance to Arizona’s economic future.

Although Congress designated the Phoenix vicinity to Las Vegas segment as “I-11,” this designation in no way diminishes the need to study critical commerce links to Mexico via the Intermountain West corridor. With that in mind, the Preliminary Environmental Linkage (PEL) study for both I-11 and the Intermountain West Corridor is moving forward to completion this summer and will serve as the foundation for a full, international border to Nevada state line environmental impact statement (EIS), pending available funding. During my recent congressional visit, I discussed the issue of expanding the I-11 designation and the need to fund an EIS to seamlessly continue and build on the work of the PEL study. I would urge other interested Arizonans to work together to do the same.

Ever since Congress designated the high priority CANAMEX Corridor in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, the idea of a commerce corridor linking Mexico to Arizona’s economic centers and Nevada has been discussed in Arizona. In 2014, the focus remains the same. Given the border-to-border focus of the PEL study, ADOT has held numerous meetings with stakeholders, planners, elected officials and members of the public in Pima County to obtain input on the corridor concept and where the links to Mexico could possibly be routed through Southern Arizona. Within just the past year, the study team held stakeholder partner meetings in the Tucson area in July, August and October with two more opportunities for involvement scheduled for March and May this year. A public meeting was held last October. Several additional meetings have also been held directly with the Pima Association of Governments, elected officials and the business community in Southern Arizona.

In the future, ADOT plans to continue working with all stakeholders, local governments, elected officials and planning organizations. We need to work together to develop a plan to fund the EIS, since ADOT alone does not have the resources to fund a study of this magnitude. Finally, I encourage everyone to keep providing comments via the study website at www.i11study.com. Members of the public are encouraged to review the latest materials posted on the website and leave their feedback online.

Linking economic centers via a robust transportation infrastructure network is an investment in Arizona’s future as we work to boost trade, commerce, job growth and economic development. With all of us working together, we will reach our destination on the road ahead.

Comment period extended for I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

Comment period extended for I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Comment period extended for I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

Comment period extended for I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

March 3, 2014

PHOENIX – The Arizona and Nevada departments of transportation have extended the date for providing online feedback on the latest Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study results.

Those interested in providing feedback on the Level 2 Analysis now have one more week to do so. The comment period on this particular analysis will close on March 7. So far, the study team has received more than 700 comments about the Level 2 Analysis, which was recently completed by the study team. Those interested in providing input will be able to view a narrated presentation about the current status of the study and then submit comments online.

While online feedback for this phase of the study is being accepted for one more week at i11study.com, general comments about the I-11 study can be submitted at any time via the project website on the “Get Involved” page.

The two transportation departments have been working together since the summer of 2012 on the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study, which includes detailed corridor planning of an interstate link between the Phoenix and Las Vegas metropolitan areas, and an extension of the corridor that would run through southern Arizona to Mexico and north through Nevada toward Canada.

Since last fall, the study team has explored the universe of alternatives for potential routes from Mexico to northern Nevada. That broad range of possible corridor alternatives underwent an initial evaluation and screening process by the study team in October. An additional level of analysis — the Level 2 Analysis — was recently conducted for the Phoenix to Las Vegas segment of the corridor. The current online feedback opportunity allows the public to view the results of this recent analysis and provide feedback prior to the study moving forward. Those interested in participating should visit the project website at i11study.com.  

The Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study is a two‐year, multiphase, high‐level study examining the feasibility, benefits, opportunities and constraints of a proposed new interstate highway corridor. This initial study is expected to be completed later this year. Funding to construct a potential corridor has not been identified. In addition to the Arizona and Nevada departments of transportation, the Maricopa Association of Governments, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Federal Highway Administration and Federal Railroad Administration are partners in this study.

For more information about the I‐11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study and to sign up for updates, visit i11study.com.

New opportunity to provide feedback on the I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

New opportunity to provide feedback on the I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

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New opportunity to provide feedback on the I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

New opportunity to provide feedback on the I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

February 12, 2014

Find more information at www.i11study.com.

Got any opinions on the latest I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study results?

If you do, there’s an easy way to share your thoughts.

The Arizona and Nevada departments of transportation have launched a public feedback period that’s completely online. That’s right … you don’t even have to leave your house to participate!

Just visit www.i11study.com to comment on the Level 2 Analysis, which was recently completed by the study team.

And, if you haven’t a clue about the study or the latest analysis, you can get all sorts of information, including a narrated presentation about the current status of the study, on the site.

More about the I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

The two transportation departments have been working together since the summer of 2012 on the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study, which includes detailed corridor planning of a possible interstate link between the Phoenix and Las Vegas metropolitan areas, along with high-level visioning for potentially extending the corridor north to Canada and south to Mexico. Congress designated the future I-11 corridor between Phoenix and Las Vegas as part of the latest surface transportation bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21).

Since last fall, the study team has explored the universe of alternatives for potential routes from Mexico to northern Nevada. That broad range of possible corridor alternatives underwent an initial evaluation and screening process by the study team in October. An additional level of analysis — the Level 2 Analysis — was recently conducted for the congressionally designated portion of the corridor that would connect Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Public Comment

This month’s online feedback opportunity will allow the public to view the results of this recent analysis and provide feedback prior to the study moving forward.

Online feedback for this phase of the study is being accepted through March 7, 2014. However, comments about the I-11 study can be submitted at any time via the project website.

What’s next?

The Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study is a two-year, multiphase, high-level study examining the feasibility, benefits, opportunities and constraints of a proposed new interstate highway corridor.

This initial study is expected to be completed later this year.

Funding to construct a potential corridor has not been identified. In addition to the Arizona and Nevada departments of transportation, the Maricopa Association of Governments, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Federal Highway Administration and Federal Railroad Administration are partners in this study.

For more information about the I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study and to sign up for updates, visit www.i11study.com.

Arizona and Nevada announce opportunity to provide feedback on the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

Arizona and Nevada announce opportunity to provide feedback on the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Arizona and Nevada announce opportunity to provide feedback on the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

Arizona and Nevada announce opportunity to provide feedback on the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

February 11, 2014

PHOENIX – The Arizona and Nevada departments of transportation are hosting an online opportunity through the month of February for anyone interested in providing feedback on the latest Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study results.

Today a public feedback period is being launched at www.i11study.com to provide an opportunity to comment on the Level 2 Analysis, which was recently completed by the study team. Those interested in providing input will be able to view a narrated presentation about the current status of the study and then submit comments online.

The two transportation departments have been working together since the summer of 2012 on the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study, which includes detailed corridor planning of a possible interstate link between the Phoenix and Las Vegas metropolitan areas, along with high-level visioning for potentially extending the corridor north to Canada and south to Mexico. Congress designated the future I-11 corridor between Phoenix and Las Vegas as part of the latest surface transportation bill, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). 

Since last fall, the study team has explored the universe of alternatives for potential routes from Mexico to northern Nevada. That broad range of possible corridor alternatives underwent an initial evaluation and screening process by the study team in October. An additional level of analysis — the Level 2 Analysis — was recently conducted for the congressionally designated portion of the corridor that would connect Phoenix and Las Vegas. This month’s online feedback opportunity will allow the public to view the results of this recent analysis and provide feedback prior to the study moving forward. Those interested in participating should visit the project website at www.i11study.com.  

Online feedback for this phase of the study is being accepted through the end of February. However, comments about the I-11 study can be submitted at any time via the project website on the “Get Involved” page.

The Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study is a two‐year, multiphase, high‐level study examining the feasibility, benefits, opportunities and constraints of a proposed new interstate highway corridor. This initial study is expected to be completed later this year. Funding to construct a potential corridor has not been identified. In addition to the Arizona and Nevada departments of transportation, the Maricopa Association of Governments, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Federal Highway Administration and Federal Railroad Administration are partners in this study.

For more information about the I‐11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study and to sign up for updates, visit www.i11study.com.

Arizona and Nevada to host public meetings for the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

Arizona and Nevada to host public meetings for the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Arizona and Nevada to host public meetings for the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

Arizona and Nevada to host public meetings for the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study

October 4, 2013

PHOENIX – The Arizona and Nevada departments of transportation will host a series of five public meetings this month to present the range of alternatives under consideration for the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor and provide the results of the preliminary analysis.

The two transportation departments have been working together for more than a year on the Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study, which includes detailed corridor planning of a possible high-priority interstate link between the Phoenix and Las Vegas metropolitan areas, along with high-level visioning for potentially extending the corridor north to Canada and south to Mexico.

Since July, the study team has completed the Corridor Justification Report and has explored the universe of alternatives for potential routes from Mexico to northern Nevada. That broad range of possible corridor alternatives recently underwent an evaluation and screening process by the study team, based on criteria endorsed by stakeholders to narrow down the number of alternatives recommended for further analysis. The October meetings will allow the public to view the recommended alternatives from that initial screening prior to the study moving forward.

Each of the five public meetings will focus on a specific segment of the proposed I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor. The meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. local time with an open house, followed by a presentation at 6 p.m. The meetings are as follows:

  • Phoenix Metropolitan Area: Oct. 8 at the Avondale City Council Chambers: 11465 W. Civic Center Drive in Avondale, AZ
  • Northern Arizona: Oct. 9 at the Mohave County Public Works Building, Turquoise Room: 3715 Sunshine Drive in Kingman, AZ
  • Southern Arizona: Oct. 10 at the Pascua Yaqui Reservation’s Albert J. Garcia Auditorium: 7777 S. Camino Huivism in Tucson, AZ
  • Northern Nevada: Oct. 16 at the Carson City Community Center, Bonanza Room: 851 E. William St. in Carson City, NV
  • Las Vegas Metropolitan Area: Oct. 17 at the NDOT District I Main Training Room: 123 E. Washington St. in Las Vegas, NV

Comments can be submitted at any of the public meetings or via the website at www.i11study.com on the “Get Involved” page.

The Interstate 11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study is a two-year, multiphase, high-level study examining the feasibility, benefits, opportunities and constraints of a proposed new interstate highway corridor. This initial study is expected to be completed next year. Funding to construct a potential corridor has not been identified.

In addition to the Arizona and Nevada departments of transportation, the Maricopa Association of Governments, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Federal Highway Administration and Federal Railroad Administration are partners in this study.

For more information about the I-11 and Intermountain West Corridor Study and to sign up for updates, visit www.i11study.com.