The negotiations for the SR 347 Improvement Project are slated to commence with Sundt Construction, the top-ranked contractor, ready to tackle the 15-mile stretch between Interstate 10 and the City of Maricopa. These discussions are part of the Arizona Department of Transportation's ongoing efforts to revamp this key artery, serving both Maricopa and Pinal counties, and intersecting the Gila River Indian Community. According to the agency's announcement, talks will kick off next week, with a February deadline to ink the pre-construction services contract.
This infrastructural facelift includes widening SR 347 by adding a lane in both directions, pavement rehabilitation over the existing road, and constructing major interchanges at both Riggs Road and Mammoth Way. Commuters can also expect enhancements like turn lanes and improved intersections at Casa Blanca Road and Maricopa Road, promising to lighten the traffic load and bolster roadway security. Construction is anticipated to begin this summer and span a three-year timeframe to its completion.
The SR 347 project comes with a hefty $396 million price tag, sourced from the State of Arizona, the Maricopa Association of Governments, the City of Maricopa, and Pinal County, with federal funds notably absent from this financial cocktail. For those entangled in the daily commute or residents watching from the sidelines, Sundt’s engagement heralds a change poised to reshape their daily transit landscape, creating a future where swifter, safer travels could soon be the norm.
Alongside projected enhancements to traffic flow and security, the SR 347 Improvement Project stands as a testament to the collaborative financial model employed in modern roadway developments, where federal assistance is not the cornerstone. A summer construction launch means that drivers can anticipate some adjustments to their routes in the coming months. Those interested in project specifics or updates can be found on ADOT's dedicated webpage.
