To serve the projected build-out of eastern Maricopa County and northern Pinal County and meet the transportation demand by current and future development, ADOT and the FHWA has initiated a study to examine all feasible options for an access-controlled roadway from the end of the current Superstition Freeway (Milepost 199.17) in Apache Junction on the west to the intersection of SR 79 (Florence Junction) on the east. A Location/Design Concept Report and Environmental Study will be completed.
In 2006, ADOT completed the US 60 Corridor Definition Study that examined the potential need for and feasibility of a US 60 alternative. However, the current ADOT study will evaluate all reasonable and feasible alternatives in accordance with federal regulation.
Planning
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.
Study
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.
The study stage identifies alternative locations (alignments) and basic characteristics (number of lanes, type of traffic interchange, etc.) of a roadway. Accompanying this are environmental studies (economic impacts, cultural, hazardous materials, air, invasive species, endangered species, socioeconomics and water), evaluation of the alternatives, general cost estimates, coordination with public and private stakeholders, and the determination of the feasibility project to move to the design phase.
Successful completion of the study processes results in the selection of an alternative and environmental clearances that allow ADOT to move on to detailed design and construction. Project information is shared and discussed with the public at project milestones, and public input is considered in the evaluation of alternatives.
Design
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 design alternatives, as well as during final design. The final design of the roadway is represented in plans and specifications that construction contractors use to prepare construction bids.
Construction
Road construction is based on detailed plans and specifications provided to the contractor following the approved design. ADOT continually looks for ways to improve the construction process for maximum efficiency and minimal community impact. Once built, a roadway may be improved over time as a result of future studies.
Construction timing is dependent upon the outcome of the planning and design studies. Anticipated completion of environmental and engineering studies is by early 2009.
| Data Gathering |
- |
Underway |
Anticipated completion of environmental and engineering studies |
- |
18 Months |
| Anticipated design and construction |
- |
Not yet funded |
