The Arizona Department of Transportation has finalized its 2026–2030 Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program, allocating $11.5 billion to upgrade highways, bridges, and transportation facilities across the state. Approved by the State Transportation Board, the plan focuses heavily on projects in Greater Arizona and includes several significant improvements in the West Valley.

Among the largest initiatives is the development of State Route 30, a new freeway in southwest Phoenix, and upgrades to the I-17/Loop 303 interchange — both intended to relieve congestion and accommodate continued growth.

“For Greater Arizona, which encompasses areas beyond Maricopa and Pima counties, the construction program emphasizes improving highway pavement and bridge infrastructure,” ADOT stated. “These projects will improve highway safety, efficiency and functionality, such as intersection improvements, updates to ports of entry and rest areas, smart technologies and new signals, signs and shoulders.”

The nearly 350-page program outlines infrastructure priorities across rural Arizona, along with investments in aviation through the Airport Capital Improvement Program, which will receive $135 million to enhance safety, security, and capacity at locations such as the Grand Canyon National Park Airport.

In the Phoenix metro area, the plan includes:

• Widening Loop 303 from Lake Pleasant Highway to 51st Avenue
• Constructing a noise wall along Loop 303 from I-10 to Indian School
• Adding ramp meters along I-10 in Goodyear and Tolleson
• Expanding State Route 24 between Loop 202 and Ironwood Road beginning in FY2030

ADOT will also begin the initial phase of State Route 30 construction from 97th Avenue to 71st Avenue.

The plan supports ADOT’s commitment to invest $2.4 billion over five years to preserve and upgrade roads and bridges across the state. Funding will come from a combination of federal and state gas taxes, vehicle license fees, aviation taxes, and regional sales taxes — including Maricopa County’s dedicated half-cent transportation tax.

“ADOT’s five-year program is developed by working closely with local governments, regional transportation planning organizations and Indian Tribal Communities to prioritize projects that are ready to build or design,” the agency noted.

Transforming Arizona’s Growing Corridors

As Arizona’s population continues to grow, especially in the West Valley, the ADOT plan targets critical chokepoints and freight corridors. State Route 30, in particular, has long been touted as a needed alternative to I-10 — one that could dramatically reshape traffic patterns in the years ahead.

The inclusion of smart infrastructure — such as ramp meters, signage upgrades, and port of entry enhancements — points to ADOT’s broader effort to integrate technology into traditional infrastructure for improved safety and traffic management.

In addition to roads, the $135 million aviation investment is expected to improve access and capacity at regional airports — including runway upgrades, terminal expansions, and navigational aids — which are essential for both tourism and rural economic development.

With coordination among tribal governments, county agencies, and regional planning groups, the five-year blueprint reflects ADOT’s focus on long-term connectivity, economic growth, and sustainability.

The first projects under the plan are expected to begin construction in fiscal year 2026, with design and environmental work already underway on several key corridors.

Originally reported by Alicia Venter in Peoria Times.