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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.
Responding to federal transportation planning requirements, the RTP is being extended through 2031 by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) to maintain a 20-year planning horizon. As a result, a fifth phase has been added to the RTP, covering the period from 2026 through 2031. Consistent with federal planning guidelines, funding for transportation projects is based on revenue sources that are considered to be reasonably available for the planning period. This assumes that for planning purposes funding sources with a long history of providing funding in the past will continue into the future.
In fall 2009, due to declining sales tax revenues and decreases in other transportation revenue sources to fund improvements, MAG recommended that some future projects be deferred to Phase V of the plan. As part of the planning process, project costs and funding levels are continuously monitored, and the RTP is periodically updated to take advantage of cost savings or changes in the transportation revenue outlook. This can result in the acceleration of projects that were formerly deferred. For more information about RTP projects deferred to Phase V in the MAG tentative scenario, please visit the MAG Web site.
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.
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 Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) are on the
Current Studies page.
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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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