Project Overview

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.


The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) began construction in August 2007 of roadway improvements on State Route 87 (Duthie-Martin Highway). The construction is anticipated to be completed in approximately 18 months.

The construction project area runs from the Tonto National Forest boundary approximately 5-miles north of Shea Boulevard (milepost 194) to the New Four Peaks Road turnoff (milepost 204). The project consists of adding a 10-foot shoulder to the right lane, a 4-foot shoulder to the left, and construction of a new traffic interchange at the Bush Highway/Saguaro Lake turnoff. The shoulder work will only occur on the northbound lanes as the southbound lanes were originally constructed with these facilities when the highway was improved to four lanes. Additionally, the project will be improving left turn lanes at four median crossings.


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. Studies for State Route 87 (Duthie-Martin Highway) are on the Current Studies page.

State Route 87 (Duthie-Martin Highway)

Construction began August 2007 and anticipated to be completed in approximately 18 months.

SR 87 (Duthie-Martin Highway) construction is funded with the half cent sales tax under the voter-approved Proposition 400. The total SR 87 (Duthie-Martin Highway) construction budget for the project is $21.5 million.