Project Overview Study Purpose and Need An outside widening study is necessary to identify future improvements, such as additional regular (general purpose), exit only (auxiliary) lanes, necessary to meet projected traffic demands along I-10 (Papago Freeway). Study Area The I-10 (Papago Freeway) will be widened adjacent to the existing outside lanes from Sarival Avenue to Dysart Road and in the median from State Route 85 to Citrus Road and Sarival Avenue to Loop 101.   Environmental The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and ADOT have determined, as a result of the baseline data gathered, that an Environmental Assessment (EA) is the appropriate level of NEPA documentation. However, if a new discovery rises to the level of significant, based on the environmental analysis, the level of environmental documentation would increase to an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The project team continues to gather and assess environmental data, with an anticipated time for a final EA by Spring 2007. Noise analysis and mitigation will be part of the environmental study. The corridor study area includes the region within the blue boundary below. The boundary does not represent a specific alignment or transportation loop, but is the general area currently under study. Interstate 10 (Papago Freeway) Outside Widening - Loop 101 to Sarival Avenue This portion of the project will study the expansion of eight miles of existing interstate including 100 feet north and south of existing ADOT right-of-way. The study will identify future improvements, such as additional general purpose or auxiliary lanes, necessary to meet projected traffic demands. Click the image below for a larger view Interstate 10 (Papago Freeway) Outside Widening - Dysart Road to Sarival Avenue This section of the project will add one general purpose lane in each direction adjacent to existing outside lanes. Additional lanes along I-10 (Papago Freeway) may be constructed to accommodate future I-10 (Papago Freeway)/Loop 303 system interchange. The construction of this section of the project is scheduled to begin in fall 2008. Click the image below for a larger view   Interstate 10 (Papago Freeway) Median Widening - Loop 101 to Sarival Avenue As a result of funding being accelerated by Valley mayors in April 2006, one general purpose lane and one high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane will be added in each direction in the existing median in fall 2007. Click the image below for a larger view Interstate 10 (Papago Freeway) Median Widening - Citrus Road to State Route 85 Local and state officials are exploring opportunities to advance construction of one general purpose lane in each direction in the existing median of Interstate 10 (Papago Freeway) between Citrus Road and State Route 85. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2023. Click the image below for a larger view Interstate 10 (Papago Freeway) Improvements - Sarival Avenue to Citrus Road Improvements to I-10 are necessary at the I-10 (Papago Freeway)/Loop 303 system for the interchange to operate properly once expansions are complete. The interchange are currently under study by the Maricopa County Department of Transportation. Documents are posted as they become available in PDF format, which requires Adobe Reader to view.    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.