The Arizona Department of Transportation has announced the final design selection for a future interchange that includes a bridge to carry State Route 347 over Riggs Road, north of Maricopa and just southwest of Chandler.

The design calls for the removal the current ground-level stoplight intersection of the two roadways. A diamond interchange will include a new SR 347 bridge and on- and off-ramps providing connections to and from Riggs Road, according to a news release.

ADOT’s planning process has focused on enhancing safety, reducing congestion and improving travel times to and from the Maricopa area. The grade-separated(dipping ramps) interchange will allow SR 347 traffic to flow freely over Riggs.

As part of the interchange design, left and right turn lanes will be added along Riggs Road will improve access to SR 347, the release states.

The project is now in the final design phase. It is expected to be ready to advertise for construction by early 2026.

ADOT has partnered with the Gila River Indian Community and the Maricopa Association of Governments, in coordination with the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, to plan the project.

To learn more about this project and others planned for SR 347, visit azdot.gov/SR347.

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this topic. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.