Local
Phoenix study weighs freeway, street and bike-pedestrian changes along central I-10
ADOT is gathering public input on possible changes to a congested central Phoenix freeway corridor, including ramp and lane changes, side roads and better pedestrian and bicycle connections. The agency says traffic could rise as much as 60% by 2050 without improvements.
The Arizona Department of Transportation is asking the public to weigh in on a study of Interstate 10 and nearby roads in central Phoenix, where traffic could increase substantially over the next 25 years if no improvements are made.
The study area runs from the Deck Park Tunnel to the I-10/I-17 split and includes the Mini Stack interchange, State Route 51 south of Thomas Road and Loop 202 west of 24th Street. ADOT is coordinating the work with the city of Phoenix and the Maricopa Association of Governments.
ADOT estimates traffic on the I-10 stretch could grow by up to 60% by 2050 without changes. From 2016 through 2021, the corridor averaged more than five crashes a day, most involving rear-end or sideswipe collisions, the agency reported.
Options under consideration include reducing merging and weaving, improving connections to HOV lanes, and adding or widening freeway lanes and ramps. Planners will also examine side roads that could separate exiting traffic from vehicles continuing on I-10, as well as ways to maintain or improve access to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and nearby streets.
The study also includes possible improvements to surrounding streets and pedestrian and bicycle connections, including relocating crosswalks. ADOT will compare the proposals with a “no-build” alternative. No specific design or location decisions have been made.
An in-person public meeting is scheduled for Nov. 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Garfield Elementary School. It will include a presentation and an open house. A virtual meeting is set for Nov. 9 from 6 to 7 p.m.; registration is available at https://bit.ly/I-10zoom.
Residents who cannot attend can complete an online survey through June 30 at https://azdot.gov/I-10TunneltoSplit or send comments through ADOT’s study page: https://azdot.gov/projects/central-district-projects/deck-park-tunnel-to-i10-i17-split-corridor.