The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has announced plans to tackle congestion and boost safety on State Route 187 through the introduction of new turn lanes and shoulder expansions. Located within the boundaries of the Gila River Indian Community, the scheduled construction is set to commence on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
The initiative, as per ADOT, will not only see the widening of SR 187 to include 8-foot paved shoulders but also involves a strategy to completely replace the existing asphalt over the full 6-mile stretch between SR 87 and SR 387, near Interstate 10. Commuters should prepare to carefully navigate the area as traffic is expected to be condensed to a single alternating lane at times during the construction hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. It was recommended to potentially use SR 387 as an alternative route for the interim congestion likely to unfold during the upgrade.
Key improvements highlighted by the project encompass the addition of a right-turn lane on northbound SR 187 at the SR 87 intersection, a new left-turn lane for northbound vehicles approaching Casa Grande Road, and a similar enhancement on southbound SR 87 about to join SR 187. This ADOT-orchestrated revamp will also introduce drainage improvements and the replacement of bridge railing structures. According to the official press release, the project is looking at a completion timeline of spring 2026.
"The improvements will include adding a right-turn lane on northbound SR 187 approaching SR 87, adding a left-turn lane on northbound SR 187 approaching Casa Grande Road, adding a right-turn lane on southbound SR 87 approaching SR 187, widening SR 187 to provide 8-foot paved shoulders, removing and replacing the asphalt, constructing drainage improvements, [and] replacing bridge railing," was stated in the ADOT release. Drivers eager for more specifics on the construction schedule or any other details regarding this effort can secure further information by visiting the ADOT project page dedicated to State Route 187 improvements.
