Brady PieperArizona is seeking public comment on a new state transportation plan, which proposes $12.7 billion in investments for the state’s transportation network.
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is unveiling an update to the state’s Transportation Facilities Construction Program for fiscal years 2026-2030, a tentative five-year plan that guides the state’s future funding allocations, projects and priorities for transportation.
In this newest installment, the program update looks to maintain and upgrade Arizona’s transportation system while advancing the state’s mid- and long-term goals for interstates, state highways and local roads.
Pending public input and final adoption by the State Transportation Board, the program will prioritize major investments for pavement preservation, bridge improvements, strategic highway expansions and airports.
The five-year program is allocated across three regions of the state. Of the $12.7 billion in estimated revenue, about $4.5 billion will be directed to highway, bridge and road projects in greater Arizona, which refers to regions outside of Maricopa and Pima counties.
In the greater Arizona area, ADOT is planning to invest $2.8 billion to preserve pavement, bridges and other infrastructure assets. The department would also allocate $1.05 billion to expand capacity on roads and highways and $592 million for a variety of highway safety, efficiency and functionality improvements.
The program update features funding for some new and existing road infrastructure expansion projects in greater Arizona, such as:
- $240 million to widen I-17 from Sunset Point to SR 69.
- $137 million for a widening project on I-10 south of Phoenix from the Gila River Bridge to Gas Line Road.
- $110 million to widen State Route (SR) 260 east of Payson.
- $68 million for a widening project on US 93 north of Wickenburg.
- $66 million to replace the Colorado Bridge on I-10 at the California border. The project will be developed in collaboration with the California Department of Transportation.
- $62 million for a new land port of entry road and facility in Douglas.
- $50 million to widen US 93 at Big Jim Wash between Wickenburg and Wikieup.
Maricopa County, Arizona’s largest, will also be included in the state’s newest construction program update. ADOT is planning $2.38 billion for projects in conjunction with the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG).
MAG will utilize this state support along with supplemental funds from a new voter-approved tax, Proposition 479, which was enacted in November. The county will update its own transportation improvement plan to include project schedules and costs of the Freeway Life Cycle Program.
The third region covered in this five-year program is the Pima Association of Governments in Pima County. ADOT will propose $831 million in total investment for Pima’s transportation initiatives, including:
- $600 million for a widening project on I-10 from Kino to Country Club. The project will construct a new interchange at I-10 and Country Club Road and reconstruct an existing interchange on Kino Road.
- $290 million to widen I-10 from Alvernon Way to Valencia Road.
- $97 million for interchange improvements on I-10 at Park and Sixth avenues.
- $47 million to reconstruct the I-19 interchange at Irvington Road.
This latest update to the five-year construction program will also include a substantial investment in airport infrastructure through the state’s Airport Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The program earmarks $135 million to the CIP for airport projects that design and construct safety, security, capacity, strategies, studies and other improvements at the Grand Canyon Airport.
ADOT updates the five-year construction program annually to address the changing state of the economy, community, public stakeholders and necessity. The program is also updated to reflect the latest long-term plan for state transportation systems.
The program sources funding from a variety of federal, state and local sponsors in addition to user-generated gasoline, diesel fuel and vehicle license taxes.
The last five-year program, approved in June 2024, included over $8 billion in investments for transportation systems, including funding for roads, bridges and airports.
This update for FY 2026-2030 will substantially raise last year’s figure to reflect the changing nature of transportation developments and feedback from local governments, regional planning organizations and tribal partners during the development process.
ADOT is encouraging public and community stakeholders to share feedback on the five-year program. The department is accepting public comment until May 23 with opportunities for public collaboration digitally, through email at fiveyearconstructionprogram@azdot.gov and by phone and mail.
The State Transportation Board will evaluate the program proposal and is expected to take formal action on the final program in June.
Interested entities or parties may view the full 203-page Tentative Five-Year Construction Program on ADOT’s dedicated website or interactive project map page. As the update is tentative, all funding allocations, projects and subprograms are subject to change.
Image by Manfred Guttenberger from Pixabay
