Dating back to the late 1950s, Interstate 17 (Black Canyon Freeway) is one of two Arizona Interstate highways that lies entirely within the state borders. In addition to serving as a major north-south artery for metro Phoenix commuters and travelers, I-17 is an important route for interstate commerce. It serves as the connection for Interstate 40 and Interstate 10, two of the nation’s major east-west routes.
Due to funding, engineering and right of way constraints, the section of I-17 that passes through the Phoenix area has fewer lanes than many other recently-completed Valley freeways. Limited capacity, coupled with the explosive growth in the region during the past decade, has contributed to a dramatic increase in traffic congestion on I-17 – particularly north of Loop 101 to New River, where I-17 narrows to two lanes. Traffic forecasts indicate conditions will worsen if improvements are not made. Funding is now in place to make a number of improvements to I-17 and other Valley freeways as part of the 20 year Regional Transportation Plan. The plan was spearheaded by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) through an extensive public process to identify regional transportation priorities and was approved by voters in November 2004 through Proposition 400. Funding for the plan became effective in January 2006. Now, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is charged with implementing the highway component of the Regional Transportation Plan, which includes $9 billion in new freeways, widening existing freeways, new interchanges, rubberized asphalt - noise mitigation and freeway maintenance. Planning, design and in some cases, construction for improvements has already begun. Significant upgrades in capacity, including new freeway lanes, interchanges and access roads, are planned for the I-17 corridor. Please see the I-17 map for more information about each of the planned improvements.
It is important to note that improvements within the RTP, including those on the I-17 corridor, are programmed in five year increments – or phases – throughout the 20-year funding cycle for the plan.
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Our Valley Freeway System is part of the 2004 voter-approved Regional Transportation Plan. We are working hard with our transit partners to implement the voters’ vision and are committed to quality, safety, open communication with our neighbors, and minimal inconvenience to the traveling public. |
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