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In November 2004, Maricopa County voters approved a 20-year
extension of a half-cent sales tax until December 31, 2025,
to fund a comprehensive package of transportation improvements
as part of the Regional
Transportation Plan. Funding for the plan, which includes
$9 billion in regional freeway improvements in Maricopa County,
became effective January 1, 2006.
Freeway planning to determine potential future corridors and
freeway improvements is conducted well in advance of design
and construction. Area population growth, future land use,
jurisdictional responsibilities, and other factors are used
to determine the need, feasibility and general location of
future freeway improvements.
The study stage establishes the location (alignment) and basic
characteristics (number of lanes, type of traffic interchange,
etc.) of a roadway. Accompanying this are environmental studies
(noise, economic impacts, etc.), identification and evaluation
of alternatives, general cost estimates, coordination with
public and private partners and the determination of feasibility
to move to the design phase.
The design of a roadway involves several stages of detailed
engineering and technical review and interim levels of approval.
Project information is shared and discussed with the public
at project milestones, and public input is considered in the
evaluation of alternatives. The final design of the roadway
is represented in plans and specifications that construction
contractors use to prepare construction bids.
Road construction for projects is based on detailed plans
and specifications provided to the contractor following the
approved design. As the construction process advances, changes
may occur that are influenced by a variety of factors. ADOT
continually looks for ways to improve the construction process
for maximum efficiency and minimal community impact. Once
built, a roadway will be maintained and improved over time
as a result of future growth and transportation needs.
Current Construction Activity
As a part of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP), ADOT
is construct approximately eight miles of one new High Occupancy
Vehicle (HOV) lane in each direction on State Route (SR) 51
between Shea Boulevard to Loop 101 and east to Tatum Boulevard.
Additionally, as a part of this construction project, ADOT
will add new HOV ramp connections to the SR 51 and Loop 101
interchange.
The new HOV lanes will be separated by a concrete median barrier
and will be completed with concrete pavement overlaid with
rubberized asphalt to reduce traffic noise.
The process of constructing new HOV lanes and new SR 51/Loop
101 ramp connections will require traffic restrictions, occasional
off-peak freeway closures and may result in impacts to motorists
using their preferred route of travel. During this construction
project ADOT will make every effort to accommodate daily traffic
by:
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Minimizing closures to the SR-51 and Loop 101. The
project will require some full freeway closures
at the beginning and end of the project in order
to place temporary median concrete barriers. These
barriers are intended to protect the public from
the work zone. These closures will occur on weekends
with traffic detoured onto City streets.
- Allowing construction during off-peak travel times.
- Notifying nearby neighborhoods and businesses
of construction activities.
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ADOT continually plans for enhancements to the roadway once
it is built and in use for maximum efficiency and safety.
Various studies identify these enhancements and may influence
additional planning, design and construction.
State
Route 51
(Piestewa Freeway) |
HOV lane extension - The HOV lanes, northbound and southbound,
are now open between Shea Boulevard and Union Hills
Drive.
Interchange with Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) - The ramps
connecting the HOV lanes between SR 51 and SR 101 will
also be open later this month.
ADOT is working to finish this project as quickly as
possible with minimal disruptions to traffic during
this time. |
SR 51 (Piestewa Freeway) construction is funded with the half
cent sales tax under the voter-approved Proposition
400.
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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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