State Route 85 - Fact Sheet
Background
The highway connecting I-8 in Gila Bend to I-10 in Buckeye is B – 8 and SR 85. This 37 mile corridor is classified as a principal arterial highway on the National Highway System. SR 85 is utilized by travelers with destinations such as Buckeye, Gila Bend and Yuma. Widely used by both private and commercial vehicles, SR 85 remains the only two-lane portion of the route between Phoenix and San Diego. Traffic volumes on SR 85 are expected to double in less than 20 years. ADOT has developed a Design Concept Report (DCR) to recommend a solution to traffic growth on SR 85. Prepared by professional, registered Civil Engineers, it includes the initial design of key elements such as drainage, geotech, structures and roadway design. An Environmental Assessment (EA) has also been completed with the DCR and is available for copy at:
Thomas Reprographics
817 East Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 264-6871
Implementation Plan
In close coordination with the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), the DCR has identified 12 interim construction priorities. These construction priorities place emphasis for constructing a four-lane divided roadway to interstate standards. Two new lanes will be constructed west of the existing highway and striped to provide the southbound SR 85 lanes from MP 122.99 to MP 142.50. From MP 142.50 to the Gila River, two new lanes will be constructed east of the existing highway and striped to provide the new northbound SR 85. A new four-lane highway with a raised median will be constructed from MP 122.99 to MP 120.54 to provide for both the northbound and southbound SR 85 traffic. A detailed list of project locations and construction timelines is shown in the Construction Priorities Graphic.
