The U.S. Department of Transportation has approved a $146 million federal grant for the Grand Avenue corridor project in Phoenix, aimed at improving a key transportation hub. This funding is part of a larger $356.6 million effort to address traffic issues at the complex six-legged intersection, which includes two at-grade railroad crossings. The money comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with $133.9 million from the INFRA grants program and an additional $12.7 million from the Mega grants program.
"Grand Avenue is a crucial component of Phoenix's transportation network, but the current intersection is dangerous and has frequent delays for cars and trains alike," Arizona Senator Mark Kelly said in the news release, noting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as the financial catalyst. The project plans to simplify the complex intersection into a standard four-legged junction, build bridges over the BNSF railroad to reduce at-grade crossing issues, and make various local improvements. These include wider sidewalks that meet ADA standards, new bus shelters, and acquiring land for future high-capacity transit.
Local officials, including MAG Chair Kevin Hartke, praised voters for supporting Proposition 400, a half-cent sales tax for transportation that has helped attract federal funding. Hartke emphasized that this regional commitment was essential for securing additional resources for important improvements.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego praised the thorough proposal process led by MAG, which was based on a benefit-cost analysis showing $2.03 in benefits for every dollar spent on the project's construction and maintenance. "The project has drawn support from several stakeholders, including $5 million in private funding from BNSF Railway, making it shovel-ready in 2026," Gallego stated in the news release, promising a safer and more efficient transit corridor for an important area of Phoenix.
According to Jennifer Toth, Arizona Department of Transportation Director, the US 60 (Grand Avenue)/35th Avenue/Indian School Road Grade Separation Project aims to eradicate the existing conflict points for trains, vehicles, and pedestrians alike. Over 140,000 vehicles navigate this area daily, and traffic has ballooned nearly 20 percent in the past decade. These improvements are not solely for the convenience of travelers; they are projected to improve emergency response times, improve traffic signal operations and reduce average supply chain costs for freight and rail.
