Phoenix commuters, get ready for smoother rides ahead. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the final Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Grand Avenue (US 60) intersection with 35th Avenue and Indian School Road has been given the green light, with a finding of No Significant Impact. This clearance paves the way for the project to move into the phases of final design and right-of-way acquisition, as announced on the ADOT website earlier this week.
The intersection upgrade aims to improve traffic flow and enhance safety by elevating 35th Avenue, creating a flyover that will sail across Grand Avenue and the BNSF Railway tracks, ADOT's plan is to reduce congestion by eliminating the current traffic crossings with the railroad at this busy Phoenix junction; drivers can expect less stopping for trains and traffic signals once the project completes. You can find more details about the project’s scope and timeline at azdot.gov/Grand-35.
In collaboration with the city of Phoenix and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), the metropolitan planning organization for the Phoenix area, this initiative is part of the Regional Transportation Plan. Funding for the project comes in part from Proposition 400 funds, a half-cent sales tax that gained approval by Maricopa County voters back in 2004, which shows an ongoing investment in the region's infrastructure.
Public involvement and feedback have shaped the project to this stage. ADOT assures that as the plans progress, they will continue to work closely with local communities, understanding that the infrastructure reshapes not only roads but also the lives of those who travel them daily. Striving for a balance between efficiency and community impact, the department remains committed to transparent communication with the public throughout the construction process.
