Sonoran Corridor

Sonoran Corridor, I-11: Different proposals, similar goals for public involvement

Sonoran Corridor, I-11: Different proposals, similar goals for public involvement

Sonoran Corridor, I-11: Different proposals, similar goals for public involvement

Sonoran Corridor, I-11: Different proposals, similar goals for public involvement

October 15, 2018

Public Meeting

By Tom Herrmann / ADOT Communications

Among the approximately 100 people who joined us Sept. 26 to talk about the Sonoran Corridor – a proposed highway that would connect Interstate 10 and Interstate 19 south of Tucson International Airport – there was some confusion over whether this effort is connected with a similar public involvement effort for the proposed Interstate 11.

I-11 and the Sonoran Corridor have two key things in common: Both are proposed for southern Arizona, and both currently are the subject of environmental studies led by ADOT. In both cases, we are studying the social, economic and natural environment impacts that each proposed freeway would have on the surrounding areas to determine if there is an appropriate 2,000-foot wide corridors where we might locate each of these routes.

The proposed I-11 would be a north-south freeway between Nogales and Hoover Dam, possibly going in or near Tucson and the Phoenix area. The current study is looking for a corridor between Nogales and Wickenburg. North of Wickenburg, it likely would follow the route of US 93.

The proposed Sonoran Corridor would run east and west somewhere south of Tucson International Airport. It would be expected to relieve congestion on both I-19 and I-10 in central Tucson, reduce travel times and spur economic development.

These proposed highways have two more things in common:

2018-1015-sonoran-corridor-vicinity-map

Sonoran Corridor vicinity map

First, both are years from construction. After ADOT completes Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statements, we would need to do Tier 2 studies to narrow the corridors to specific routes. We would then need to design each route and obtain the needed funding before any work could begin.

Second, we want to hear your thoughts on both proposals. Both project websites provide ways for you to share your thoughts (i11study.com/Arizona and azdot.gov/SonoranCorridor). We hope you will.

Sonoran Corridor public meeting set for Wednesday in Tucson

Sonoran Corridor public meeting set for Wednesday in Tucson

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Sonoran Corridor public meeting set for Wednesday in Tucson

Sonoran Corridor public meeting set for Wednesday in Tucson

September 21, 2018

TUCSON – As Arizona Department of Transportation officials continue an environmental study to narrow the potential future route for the Sonoran Corridor, they want to hear what Pima County residents think of the idea.

The Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration will hold a public information meeting from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, to hear public comments and suggestions for the Sonoran Corridor. The meeting will be held at the Desert Diamond Casino, 7350 S. Nogales Highway in Tucson. A presentation will begin at 6 p.m.

The meeting is part of the public involvement process that allows the community the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments and concerns about potential locations for the proposed corridor as well as environmental considerations, impacts on wildlife habitat and cultural resources, and other modes of transportation that may be considered.

The Sonoran Corridor would connect Interstate 10 and Interstate 19 south of Tucson International Airport. It has been designated as a high-priority corridor under the federal Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. There is no timeline for building a roadway in the corridor.

A new freeway in that area would support the economy of southern Arizona and the state. It also would reduce travel distances south of Tucson and relieve congestion at the current interchange of I-10 and I-19 southwest of downtown Tucson.

In the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Study, officials are identifying and studying a range of possible corridors along with the opportunities and constraints of each. The study considers the potential social, economic and natural environment impacts of the alternatives, as well as the impact of not building a freeway in this area.  The study, which began in 2017, is expected to be completed in 2020.

The study is evaluating multiple 2,000-foot-wide corridor alternatives that would connect I-19 and I-10 south of the Tucson International Airport.  The study will evaluate a no-build alternative and multiple build alternatives to determine a recommendation that is based on technical analysis and other factors, including public input.

A future Tier 2 environmental study would advance the Tier 1 recommendations to identify the specific project alignment, effects and mitigation. There is no timeline or funding identified for the Tier 2 study.

For more information about this study, please visit azdot.gov/SonoranCorridor.

Public comment also is welcome through Oct. 26 in several ways:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Toll-free bilingual information line: 855.712.8530
  • Mail: Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS Study Team, c/o Joanna Bradley, 1221 S. Second Ave., Mail Drop T100, Tucson, AZ 85713

The Sept. 26 meeting is a follow-up to public meetings held in Tucson and Sahuarita in June 2017.

Sonoran Corridor: We want to know what you think

Sonoran Corridor: We want to know what you think

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Sonoran Corridor: We want to know what you think

Sonoran Corridor: We want to know what you think

September 11, 2018

TUCSON – Nearly halfway through a three-year environmental study, state and federal transportation officials want your input on a proposed Sonoran Corridor connecting Interstate 10 and Interstate 19 south of Tucson International Airport.

The Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration will hold a public information meeting from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, to hear public comments and suggestions for the Sonoran Corridor. The meeting will be held at the Desert Diamond Casino, 7350 S. Nogales Highway in Tucson. A presentation will begin at 6 p.m.

The Sonoran Corridor has been designated as a high-priority corridor under the federal Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. It would support and connect the economy of southern Arizona and the entire state. It also would reduce travel distances south of Tucson and relieve congestion at the current interchange of I-10 and I-19 southwest of downtown Tucson.

State and federal officials are identifying and studying a range of possible corridors along with the opportunities and constraints of each. The study considers the potential social, economic and natural environment impacts of the alternatives, as well as the impact of not building a freeway in this area.

The Tier 1 Environmental Impact Study is a three-year process developed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act. Expected to be completed in 2020, the Tier 1 study is evaluating multiple 2,000-foot-wide corridor alternatives that would connect I-19 and I-10 south of the Tucson International Airport.  The study will evaluate a no-build alternative and multiple build alternatives to determine a recommendation that is based on technical analysis and other factors, including public input.

A future Tier 2 environmental study would advance the Tier 1 recommendations to identify the specific project alignment, effects and mitigation. There is no timeline or funding identified for the Tier 2 study.

For more information about this study, please visit azdot.gov/SonoranCorridor.

The meetings are part of the public involvement process that allows the community the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments and concerns about potential locations for the proposed corridor as well as environmental considerations, impacts on wildlife habitat and cultural resources, and other modes of transportation that may be considered.

Public comment also is welcome through Oct. 26 in several ways:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Toll-free bilingual information line: 855.712.8530
  • Mail: Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS Study Team, c/o Joanna Bradley, 1221 S. Second Ave., Mail Drop T100, Tucson, AZ 85713

The Sept. 26 meeting is a follow-up to public meetings held in Tucson and Sahuarita in June 2017.

Last call for comments on this phase of the Sonoran Corridor study

Last call for comments on this phase of the Sonoran Corridor study

Last call for comments on this phase of the Sonoran Corridor study

Last call for comments on this phase of the Sonoran Corridor study

July 11, 2017

Sonorah Corridor Study Map

By Tom Herrmann / ADOT Communications

When Arizona Department of Transportation engineers met with the community in Tucson and Sahuarita a month ago to talk about the proposed Sonoran Corridor, a mid-July deadline to comment at the start of a three-year environmental study must have seemed far in the future.

Don’t look now, but that deadline will be here before the weekend.

As with any important project, you will have more chances during the three-year study to let us know what you think about the proposed Sonoran Corridor, which would connect Interstate 10 and Interstate 19 south of Tucson International Airport. But now is the time to make your feelings known if you want your input included during this initial scoping phase.

Our first step will be to study a range of possible corridors for their potential social, economic and environmental impacts. If there’s a route through the study area that you like or don’t like, this is the time to share that with us so we can take your input or concerns into account as part of our study. In about three years, we’ll likely come back to discuss a possible route in more detail.

Under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, the Sonoran Corridor has been designated as high-priority route that would support the economy of southern Arizona and the entire state while, relieving congestion at the interchange of I-10 and I-19 in downtown Tucson.

We want to hear from you before the deadline of Friday, July 14. Here’s how:

  • Complete an online comment form at azdot.gov/SonoranCorridor.
  • Visit gg.mysocialpinpoint.com/sonorancorridor to select any part of the study area that’s important to you, drop a virtual pin onto it and leave your comments. This interactive tool is available in Spanish too.
  • Email your comments to [email protected].
  • Mail your comments to: Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS Study Team, c/o ADOT Communications, 1655 W. Jackson St., Mail Drop 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007 (must be postmarked by 5 p.m. Friday, July 15, 2017, to be included in the project record during the scoping phase).

There also is a toll-free bilingual information line: 855.712.8530.

We have no route, timetable or funding for the Sonoran Corridor so far. What we have is a chance for you to let us know your thoughts. For more information on the Sonoran Corridor, visit azdot.gov/SonoranCorridor.

Sonoran Corridor: A map without a route

Sonoran Corridor: A map without a route

Sonoran Corridor: A map without a route

Sonoran Corridor: A map without a route

June 6, 2017

Sonoran Corridor Vicinity Map

By Tom Hermmann / ADOT Communications

If you look closely, there seems to be something missing from the map of the Sonoran Corridor that accompanies this blog. Just south of Tucson International Airport, somewhere near where the map identifies PIMA COUNTY.

The map with our announcement of public meetings on the Sonoran Corridor doesn't show the Sonoran Corridor.

There’s a good reason for that: So far, it does not exist. No route. No timetable. No funding.

The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act designated the Sonoran Corridor – a route that would connect Interstate 10 and Interstate 19 south of the airport as a high-priority corridor that would diversify, support and connect the economy of southern Arizona. It also would reduce congestion at the interchange of I-19 and I-10 and reduce travel distance in southern Arizona.

Twice this week – Wednesday in Tucson and Thursday in Sahuarita – ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration will welcome the public to scoping meetings on the project. We’re working to identify 2,000-foot wide corridors that could someday be the site of the route. Over about the next three years we will study the economic and environmental impact of building the Sonoran Corridor in those areas. We’ll also study the impact of not building a road.

This week’s meetings will be at Wednesday at the Radisson Hotel Tucson Airport (4550 S. Palo Verde Road) and Thursday at the Santa Cruz Valley United Methodist Church (70 E. Sahuarita Road, Sahuarita). Both meetings start at 5:30 p.m. with presentations beginning at 6 p.m.

There will be more chances to speak up on this project, but there may be no better time than while we’re just starting our environmental studies. We hope you’ll join us.

For more information on the Sonoran Corridor or to find other ways to comment, visit azdot.gov/SonoranCorridor.

Proposed Sonoran Corridor: What do you think?

Proposed Sonoran Corridor: What do you think?

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Proposed Sonoran Corridor: What do you think?

Proposed Sonoran Corridor: What do you think?

June 5, 2017

TUCSON – State and federal officials want to know what you think about a proposed Sonoran Corridor connecting Interstate 10 and Interstate 19 south of Tucson International Airport as they begin an anticipated three-year environmental study of the idea.

Next week, officials from the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration will host two public meetings to gather public input. The meetings are scheduled for:

  • Wednesday, June 7, at the Radisson Hotel Tucson Airport, 4550 S. Palo Verde Road, Tucson
  • Thursday, June 8, at the Santa Cruz Valley United Methodist Church, 70 E. Sahuarita Road, Sahuarita

Both meetings will take place at 5:30 – 7 p.m., with a presentation beginning at 6 p.m.

The meetings are part of a public scoping process that allows the community the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments and concerns about potential locations for the proposed corridor as well as environmental considerations, impacts on wildlife habitat and cultural resources and other modes of transportation that may be considered.

Public comment also is welcome through July 15 in several ways:

     Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS Study Team
     c/o ADOT Communications
     1655 W. Jackson St., Mail Drop 126F
     Phoenix, AZ 85007

The Sonoran Corridor has been designated as a high-priority corridor under the federal Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. It would support and connect the economy of southern Arizona and the entire state. It also would reduce travel distances south of Tucson and relieve congestion at the current interchange of I-10 and I-19 southwest of downtown Tucson.

State and federal officials will identify and study a range of possible corridors along with the opportunities and constraints of each. The study will consider the potential social, economic and natural environmental impacts of the alternatives, as well as the impact of not building a freeway in this area.

No route has been selected and there is no timetable for building the Sonoran Corridor, and no funding has been identified for it. For more information about this study, visit azdot.gov/SonoranCorridor.

Study to look at potential routes for Sonoran Corridor in Tucson

Study to look at potential routes for Sonoran Corridor in Tucson

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Study to look at potential routes for Sonoran Corridor in Tucson

Study to look at potential routes for Sonoran Corridor in Tucson

May 23, 2017

TUCSON – The Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration have begun a three-year environmental study of potential routes for the proposed Sonoran Corridor, which would connect Interstate 19 to Interstate 10 south of Tucson International Airport.

It begins with a comment period lasting through July 15, 2017, that encourages all members of the public to provide input on the Sonoran Corridor study area during a process known as public scoping. It is an opportunity to ask questions and share comments or concerns about topics such as potential locations for the corridor, environmental considerations, impacts on wildlife habitat or cultural resources, and possible opportunities for other transportation modes that may be considered.

Two public scoping meetings are scheduled:

  • Wednesday, June 7, at the Radisson Hotel Tucson Airport, 4550 S. Palo Verde Road, Tucson
  • Thursday, June 8, at the Santa Cruz Valley United Methodist Church, 70 E. Sahuarita Road, Sahuarita

Both meetings will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with a presentation beginning at 6 p.m.

All feedback, questions, and comments from meetings, and provided through other means, will be considered part of the study and entered into the project record.

The Sonoran Corridor has been identified as a critical transportation facility that would diversify, support and connect the economy of southern Arizona and the entire state. The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) designated the Sonoran Corridor as a high-priority corridor, reinforcing the need to conduct a study for a future transportation facility that would potentially alleviate traffic congestion at the I-19 and I-10 traffic interchange and reduce travel distances south of the Tucson International Airport.

There is no timetable for building the Sonoran Corridor, and no funding has been identified for it.

The Notice of Intent to prepare a Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement was published in the Federal Register on May 12, 2017, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, which kicks off the formal environmental study process.  The purpose of the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement is to identify a selected corridor alternative, which could be the no-build option.

One of the first steps of the environmental study process is to develop a Corridor Selection Report to assess a wide range of corridor alternatives, along with opportunities and constraints.  Ultimately, this will result in a reasonable range of corridor alternatives that will advance into the Draft Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement.  The Draft Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement will assess on a broad scale the potential social, economic and natural environmental impacts of the no-build option, as well as the reasonable range of corridor alternatives.  

Each corridor alternative will be approximately 2,000 feet wide and contain smaller segments that could advance as independent improvement projects. Smaller segments would be studied separately in a Tier 2 environmental document if a corridor alternative is selected.

Individuals who are unable to attend one of the scoping meetings can submit written comments in any of the ways below:

Online survey: azdot.gov/SonoranCorridor
Email: [email protected]
Toll-free bilingual information line: 855.712.8530
Mail:
    Sonoran Corridor Tier 1 EIS Study Team
    c/o ADOT Communications
    1655 W. Jackson St., Mail Drop 126
    Phoenix, AZ 85007

For more information about this study, visit azdot.gov/SonoranCorridor.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. Persons who require a reasonable accommodation based on language or disability should contact Kimberly Noetzel at 602.712.2122 or [email protected]. Requests should be made as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the accommodation.

De acuerdo con el título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 y la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA por sus siglas en inglés), el Departamento de Transporte de Arizona (ADOT por sus siglas en inglés) no discrimina por raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, género o discapacidad. Personas que requieren asistencia (dentro de lo razonable) ya sea por el idioma o por discapacidad deben ponerse en contacto Kimberly Noetzel at 602.712.2122 o en [email protected]. Las solicitudes deben hacerse lo más pronto posible para asegurar que el equipo encargado del proyecto tenga la oportunidad de hacer los arreglos necesarios.