Several major widening and pavement improvement projects are on the list of work scheduled for the next five years in Arizona, and transportation officials said they want the public to give their ideas about the plans.

The public comment period began this month on ADOT’s 2024-28 tentative five-year Transportation Facilities Construction Program, a $7.7 billion proposal that will invest $2.6 billion in pavement and bridge preservation projects across Arizona, upgrading pavement in poor or fair condition.

In addition, the program allocates $669 million for projects that widen highways or improve interchanges. Those projects include:

• Widening Interstate 17 north of Phoenix from Anthem Way to Black Canyon City, plus adding flex lanes from Black Canyon City to Sunset Point. The five-year program contains $83.6 million toward the ongoing project.
• Widening the Gila River bridges between Phoenix and Casa Grande. The program dedicates $50 million toward the project in 2023 and is a step toward ADOT’s goal of widening I-10 to three lanes in each direction between Phoenix and Tucson.

“Other program highlights include $469 million for projects that improve highway safety, efficiency and functionality, such as smart technology or adding shoulders,” ADOT officials said in a release.

The public comment period for the 2024-28 tentative plan ends at 5 p.m. June 1. The State Transportation Board is expected to consider formal action on the program at its June 16 meeting.

The complete report is available at azdot.gov/tentative5year. ADOT asks for comments via an online form that will be available at azdot.gov/tentative5year, by email at fiveyearconstructionprogram@azdot.gov and by phone at 855-712-8530.

Public comments also may be made at an open public hearing of the State Transportation Board scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, May 19.