SR 347

SR 347 widening and improvement project to start in Maricopa

SR 347 widening and improvement project to start in Maricopa

I-17 101 traffic interchange

SR 347 widening and improvement project to start in Maricopa

SR 347 widening and improvement project to start in Maricopa

October 10, 2023

Improvements include third northbound lane, widening intersection

MARICOPA – The Arizona Department of Transportation is about to begin a project that will improve and widen State Route 347 in Maricopa to help relieve traffic congestion and reduce travel times.

The $7.3 million project is scheduled to begin Oct. 9 and continue through summer 2024, with traffic restrictions beginning the week of Oct. 16.

The improvements include adding a third northbound lane on 1.3 miles of SR 347 (John Wayne Parkway) from SR 238 (Smith-Enke Road) to just north of the city limits. Other improvements include:

  • Widening the SR 347/Lakeview Drive intersection and reconstructing the existing paved median
  • Adding a northbound acceleration lane for traffic moving onto northbound SR 347 from westbound Lakeview Drive
  • Adding curb and gutter along the east side of SR 347 from north of SR 238 to Lakeview Drive
  • Repairing pavement in the project area

Most construction activity is scheduled for daytime hours Mondays through Fridays, with occasional overnight work as needed. ADOT will maintain access to businesses and neighborhoods throughout the project.

The project is a partnership between ADOT and the city of Maricopa. When work is complete, ADOT will transfer long-term maintenance and operation of SR 347 to Maricopa. 

For more information, please visit: azdot.gov/JohnWayneParkway


 

ADOT invites input on Riggs Road Traffic Interchange at SR 347

ADOT invites input on Riggs Road Traffic Interchange at SR 347

I-17 101 traffic interchange

ADOT invites input on Riggs Road Traffic Interchange at SR 347

ADOT invites input on Riggs Road Traffic Interchange at SR 347

June 5, 2023

Study is looking at options to reduce congestion, enhance safety

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has launched a study to improve traffic flow and safety at State Route 347 and Riggs Road and is seeking the public’s input on possible options for a new interchange at this location.    

ADOT is evaluating a range of interchange alternatives to separate traffic on the two roadways on a new bridge. Options are detailed on the study website at tinyurl.com/riggsrdsr347. ADOT is conducting the study in partnership with the Gila River Indian Community and the Maricopa Association of Governments, and in coordination with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. 

You can provide input through June 30 in one of the following ways:

The study is expected to continue through summer of 2025. It will identify the preferred alternative in a Design Concept Report and environmental document. If a new build alternative is selected, the project is anticipated to advertise for construction in late 2026.

There will be additional opportunities to provide input, including public meetings, as the project progresses. 

This study follows a scoping study conducted by MAG on the SR 347 Corridor that identified the need for a grade-separated interchange at Riggs Road. 

More information on the current study is available at tinyurl.com/riggsrdsr347.

From the Director: ADOT earns a trio of regional awards

From the Director: ADOT earns a trio of regional awards

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From the Director: ADOT earns a trio of regional awards

From the Director: ADOT earns a trio of regional awards

By John Halikowski / ADOT Director
August 21, 2020

The entertainment industry has its annual awards that showcase “the best of” in movies and TV shows. The transportation industry is no different as we have annual awards programs that recognize transportation projects that are making a difference in communities across the country. I am pleased to announce the Arizona Department of Transportation recently received three regional awards in the 2020 America’s Transportation Awards competition.

Sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and AAA, America’s Transportation Awards showcases transportation projects delivered by state departments of transportation and tells the story of the importance of transportation to our communities. With 79 projects nominated nationwide in three categories, the competition was fierce.

Under the category “Best Use of Technology and Innovation – Large Project,” ADOT won for the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway project. As our first public-private freeway project in ADOT’s history and the state’s largest single highway project at $2 billion total, the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway project is the final leg of the loop transportation system in the metropolitan Phoenix area that connects the West Valley to the East Valley. Using the P3 method, we built the freeway as a single project and saved nearly $100 million. We are already witnessing the economic development opportunities in the area and reduction in commute times for drivers.

Under the category “Quality of Life/Community Development – Small Project,” ADOT tied for first place with the State Route 347 at Union Pacific Railroad project. We built a six-lane divided overpass with raised medians and sidewalks to carry traffic, bicyclists and pedestrians over the railroad track in the City of Maricopa. Now, the community doesn’t have to wait for trains to pass by on its main north-south corridor. The City of Maricopa is reaping the benefits of the project with shortened emergency response times and construction has begun on several commercial projects. Most importantly, drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists can safely travel on this major corridor without delay due to train traffic.

Under the category “Operations Excellence – Medium Project,” ADOT tied for first place again with the I-10/SR 87 Improvement Project with Dust Detection System. This project added a travel lane in each direction on a four-mile stretch of Interstate 10. We also built a modern interchange at SR 87 with two lanes in each direction plus turn lanes and traffic signals over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. But, the cornerstone of the project is the installation of a first-in-its-kind dust detection and warning system. Blinding dust storms in the area between Tucson and Phoenix have been a safety concern to us for years. The dust detection system is helping us improve safety for the traveling public.

As a regional winner, our projects will be considered for the next phase of the nationwide competition, making it into the “Top 12” list. These 12 projects compete for the two top prizes – the Grand Prize, chosen by an independent panel of judges, and the People’s Choice Award which is determined by the public through online voting this fall.

I applaud the men and women at ADOT who design, build and maintain a transportation system that ensures we meet our True North, Safely Home. And thank you as well to the many stakeholders involved in these award-winning projects. Receiving the recognition by our peers in transportation makes me very proud and validates the outstanding work we do for the people of Arizona.

A new way to keep the speed limit top of mind

A new way to keep the speed limit top of mind

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A new way to keep the speed limit top of mind

A new way to keep the speed limit top of mind

Steve Elliott / ADOT Communications
September 24, 2019

Those driving along State Route 347 between Interstate 10 and Riggs Road are seeing another reminder of the speed limit – in the form of large white decals being tested on the pavement, alongside existing speed limit signs.

The reason for this test by ADOT? Speeding.

As our news release noted last week, ADOT's review of law enforcement crash reports found that officers cited "speed too fast for conditions" as a driver violation in more than half of the crashes along SR 347 between I-10 and Riggs Road.

This test, a first for Phoenix-area highways, has pavement decals showing where the northbound speed limit transitions from 65 mph to 55 mph approaching the Maricopa Road intersection and from 55 mph to 45 mph as drivers approach the I-10 interchange at Queen Creek Road.

For those going southbound on SR 347, decals are in place where the speed limit drops from 65 mph to 55 mph approaching Riggs Road.  

We're also testing pavement decals with speed limit reminders at a location along US 160 in northeastern Arizona.

Speed limits posted on pavement? Yes, on SR 347 south of I-10

Speed limits posted on pavement? Yes, on SR 347 south of I-10

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Speed limits posted on pavement? Yes, on SR 347 south of I-10

Speed limits posted on pavement? Yes, on SR 347 south of I-10

September 20, 2019

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has added to the ways drivers see the posted speed limit on a stretch of State Route 347 in the southeast Valley.

The speed limit is now displayed on the highway pavement in large white decals as part of an effort to improve safety along SR 347 between Interstate 10 and Riggs Road.

Testing the speed limit pavement decals is a first for ADOT’s Phoenix-area highways. Standard speed limit signs also are in place adjacent to where the decals have been added.

Traffic engineers recommended the pavement decals for SR 347 in areas where the speed limit drops as drivers approach intersections. Decals now help show the northbound speed limit transitions from 65 mph to 55 mph approaching the Maricopa Road intersection and from 55 mph to 45 mph as drivers approach the I-10/Queen Creek Road interchange.

The pavement decals also are in place along southbound SR 347 approaching the Riggs Road intersection, where the speed limit drops from 65 mph to 55 mph.

ADOT’s review of law enforcement crash reports found that officers cited “speed too fast for conditions” as a driver violation in more than half of crashes along SR 347 between I-10 and Riggs Road.

Speed limit pavement decals also are being tested at one location along SR 160 in northeastern Arizona.

Independence for Maricopa drivers

Independence for Maricopa drivers

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Independence for Maricopa drivers

Independence for Maricopa drivers

By Tom Herrmann / ADOT Communications
July 22, 2019

Drivers in Maricopa have something to celebrate: independence from sitting on State Route 347 waiting for trains to pass.

Last week, crews removed the barricades and welcomed the first vehicles on to a new overpass carrying drivers over Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

Trains are important to Arizona’s economy. They move many goods around our state efficiently. The good people of Maricopa won’t dispute that.

ADOT and Maricopa worked long and hard for the overpass and independence from trains that cross SR 347 more than 60 times every day. A $15 million federal TIGER grant is helping pay for the $55 million project, as is a $14 million investment by Maricopa.

Even with traffic flowing on the new alignment of SR 347, we still have work to do. The original alignment of SR 347 will be changed to mesh with the new road. Cul-de-sacs will prevent vehicles from reaching the railroad tracks. Honeycutt Avenue will be extended to connect with the new alignment.

This project improving safety and mobility in a fast-growing community remains on track to wrap up by late this year.

 

Motorists now using SR 347 overpass in heart of Maricopa

Motorists now using SR 347 overpass in heart of Maricopa

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Motorists now using SR 347 overpass in heart of Maricopa

Motorists now using SR 347 overpass in heart of Maricopa

July 15, 2019

PHOENIX – As an Arizona Department of Transportation project moves toward completion along State Route 347 in the heart of the fast-growing city of Maricopa, motorists are now benefiting from the centerpiece of this work: a 500-foot-long bridge carrying traffic over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

On Monday, about 2 miles of SR 347 shifted to a new alignment between Hathaway Avenue on the north and Desert Cedars Drive on the south, with motorists and pedestrians using an overpass that replaces an at-grade crossing where dozens of trains stopped traffic each day.

SR 347 is Maricopa's main transportation corridor and serves as a regional connector to major employment and recreation. Traffic averages more than 31,000 vehicles per day and is expected to reach 60,000 vehicles per day in 2040.

The project, which is about 80 percent complete, remains on track to finish as scheduled by late this year. Remaining work includes removing the former at-grade railroad crossing, widening Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway between the overpass and Plainview Street and completing additional landscaping and medians.

While the overpass will have three lanes in each direction when construction ends, for now it offer two lanes each way and at times will be reduced to one lane in specific locations. The area remains a construction zone with a reduced speed limit and restrictions. Motorists should continue proceeding through the area with caution.

A $15 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant covered a portion of the project’s $55 million cost, with Maricopa contributing about $14 million.

Deck on SR 347 overpass in Maricopa to be poured April 25

Deck on SR 347 overpass in Maricopa to be poured April 25

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Deck on SR 347 overpass in Maricopa to be poured April 25

Deck on SR 347 overpass in Maricopa to be poured April 25

April 23, 2019

PHOENIX ‒ Crews are scheduled to pour the concrete deck for the final section of a State Route 347 overpass in Maricopa starting this week as the Arizona Department of Transportation moves ever closer to opening the bridge and new highway alignment by early summer.

The work is scheduled for 1 to 5 a.m. Thursday, April 25, and from 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, to 5 a.m. Wednesday, May 1. For the safety of drivers, Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway will be closed at the overpass and traffic will be re-routed while crews pour the concrete.

Completing the bridge deck above Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway will clear the way for crews to begin paving the new alignment of SR 347.

Drivers should watch for lane restrictions and possible delays starting in late April as workers begin connecting the new alignment with the current SR 347 at Alterra Parkway on the south and Hathaway Avenue on the north.

A new traffic signal at Plainview and Honeycutt roads will begin operating in late April. Plainview is a new street built just west of the Maricopa Unified School District to connect Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway with Honeycutt Road. Northbound drivers on Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway will use Plainview and Honeycutt Road to reach SR 347’s new alignment.

The new alignment is expected to be ready for traffic by early summer. Honeycutt Road, which has been closed for the past few months to accommodate construction, will open to the new alignment at the same time. An extension of Honeycutt Avenue, located south of the railroad tracks, also will connect with the new alignment.

Once the new alignment is open to traffic, crews will begin making changes to the current roadway, including cul-de-sacs just north and south of the railroad crossing and just north of Alterra Parkway. That work is expected to be completed by November.

The $55 million overpass will eliminate the need for drivers to wait for trains crossing SR 347. Train traffic and vehicular traffic are expected to double in the area in the next 20 years.

A bridge toward completing our SR 347 upgrade in Maricopa

A bridge toward completing our SR 347 upgrade in Maricopa

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A bridge toward completing our SR 347 upgrade in Maricopa

A bridge toward completing our SR 347 upgrade in Maricopa

March 22, 2019

By Tom Herrmann / ADOT Communications

At the groundbreaking for a State Route 347 overpass in the heart of Maricopa, officials spoke with pride about the work done for more than a decade to make this $55 million improvement a reality.

For most of the past year, the site at SR 347 and Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway has looked pretty much as you would expect: like a job site. But late next week it will begin to look much more like the overpass that will open up the community by ending the regular waits for trains to pass.

Thursday night, March 28, Arizona Department of Transportation crews are scheduled begin pouring the concrete deck for the overpass. About 130 cement trucks will bring in about 1,300 cubic yards of concrete to form the deck of the overpass, which will be 318 feet long, 130 feet wide and carry six lanes of traffic.

The deck pour is a good opportunity to take stock of all the things crews have achieved in Maricopa since work began in spring 2018. We built an entire new road, Plainview Street, near the Maricopa Unified School District offices. Towering piers that will hold the overpass, about 20 of them, are in place, along with earth and decorative mechanically stabilized earth panels that will form the walls at each end of the overpass. We’ve cleared ground for the new SR 347 alignment and done hundreds of smaller tasks, such as moving utility lines, that are important but unseen parts of a big job like this.

Plenty of work remains. Nothing is larger than creating the foundation and laying pavement for the new road surface, but there are dozens of tasks still to be completed before the road is ready for traffic near the end this year.

Take a look. We think you’ll be happy with how far we’ve come.

2019 will be busy year for ADOT in southern Arizona

2019 will be busy year for ADOT in southern Arizona

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2019 will be busy year for ADOT in southern Arizona

2019 will be busy year for ADOT in southern Arizona

January 28, 2019

PHOENIX ‒ Widening the last two stretches of Interstate 10 between Casa Grande and Tucson that remain two lanes in each direction. Opening a modern Ina Road traffic interchange with Interstate 10 in Marana. Launching a major upgrade to State Route 189, the 3.75-mile Nogales highway essential to trade with Mexico.

These are just some of the Arizona Department of Transportation projects finishing or starting in 2019 that are designed to make travel safer and more efficient in southern Arizona.

Four major projects that received a great deal of attention in 2018 are scheduled for completion this year:

  • ina-ew-aerial-1-28-19
    A new I-10 interchange is on track to open this spring carrying Ina Road traffic over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and greatly improving mobility and safety in a growing area northwest of Tucson. This $128 million project also is widening Ina Road to two lanes in each direction from I-10 west over new bridges crossing the Santa Cruz River, with full project completion expected this summer.
  • Crews will finish widening 4 miles of I-10 in Casa Grande between Earley Road and Interstate 8. This $43 million project, scheduled for completion by late summer, includes replacing the original bridges over Jimmie Kerr Boulevard to accommodate three lanes in each direction.
  • Between Eloy and Picacho, crews are scheduled to complete a $72 million project widening 4 miles of I-10 to three lanes in each direction by creating new travel lanes. The improvements include a new State Route 87 interchange and a first-of-its-kind dust detection zone on 10 miles of I-10 to provide drivers with crucial safety information during dust storms. Completion is scheduled for late summer.
  • A $55 million overpass that will carry State Route 347 traffic over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in Maricopa is scheduled for completion by the end of 2019.

Design work is set to begin by June on the largest project of 2019: a $134 million upgrade of State Route 189, which connects the Mariposa Port of Entry with Interstate 19 in Nogales and carries a large share of produce entering the United States. Planned upgrades include flyover ramps to make a smoother transition between SR 189 and I-19 and a bridge over Frank Reed Road that will improve safety near Nogales High School. The two-year project is expected to be completed in 2021.

In Tucson, construction is scheduled begin this summer on a new interchange at I-10 at Ruthrauff Road. The $101 million, two-year project will be similar to interchange improvements at Ina and Prince roads.

Other major projects expected to begin in 2019 include replacing the 70-year-old Pinto Creek Bridge on US 60 east of Superior and repaving a 7-mile section of State Route 95 north of Parker. Bidding for the Pinto Creek work will take place early this year, while paving on SR 95 began earlier this month and is expected to continue until fall.

For more information on these projects, please visit azdot.gov/projects.