Arizona's Interstate 40, long deemed not up to par with current geometric design standards, is set to receive a significant overhaul. In a joint announcement, Senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly revealed a $27.5 million allocation from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to replace four dated concrete bridges and upgrade two traffic interchanges. According to a statement from Senator Kelly's office, the funding comes specifically from the Bridge Investment Program, a brainchild of the bipartisan effort.
Senator Kelly emphasized the importance of infrastructure, stating, "Arizona’s bridges connect our communities and support our economy—they need to be safe." He went on to articulate how the investment is intended to swiftly enhance safety for drivers and offer support for both trade and local employment. “This investment to replace outdated bridges will enhance safety for drivers and residents while supporting trade and creating good-paying jobs. I’m proud to deliver resources through our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make projects like this possible,” Kelly said.
The project's benefits range from improving pedestrian safety to mitigating the effects of seasonal flooding. The bridges in question, standing since 1963, are part of a stretch of I-40 pivotal for connecting the capital of the Navajo Nation, Window Rock. This infrastructure vein plays a role in sustaining nearly a third of the U.S. GDP through its facilitation of transcontinental freight flow.
In her remarks on the legislative success, Senator Sinema said, “We’re investing $27.5 million to enhance safety along I-40 – providing critical access to Window Rock for the Navajo Nation and supporting nearly one-third of the United States goods and services.” This hefty sum is a component of the larger $110 billion earmarked by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for repairing and upgrading the nation's roads and bridges, as per Senator Kelly's office press release.
The law has received backing from a broad spectrum of organizations, ranging from trade associations like The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, The National Association of Manufacturers, to labor unions such as The AFL-CIO, and advocacy groups including The Bipartisan Policy Center. The support underscores the legislation's wide-reaching impact, anticipated to resonate across various sectors and communities within the United States.
