Traffic relief for I‑17, Carefree Hwy to Anthem
Committee seeking $33.1 million to add lanes
by Kathleen Stinson

ANTHEM – Congestion on Interstate 17 between Carefree Highway and Anthem may be alleviated in the near future, if the Maricopa Association of Governments approves its committee’s recommendation to accelerate construction funding.

MAG’s Transportation Policy Committee selected for immediate funding another general‑ purpose lane for both the north‑ and southbound 5.1‑mile stretch of highway. The project is estimated to cost $33.1 million. MAG’s Regional Council will make the final decision on the recommendation Dec. 13.

The transportation committee recently voted unanimously to recommend seven projects county‑wide for accelerated funding through the Statewide Transportation Acceleration Needs account. The STAN account, derived from surplus tax revenues, is a $307 million fund the legislature set aside in 2006 for accelerated highway construction. Maricopa County’s share of the fund is $184 million.

“We’re exceptionally pleased with the vote of support and hope to get the full support of the MAG council,” said Frank Grimmelmann, board member of the Anthem Community Council.

“It’s absolutely critical to have this improvement extending I‑17 north of Carefree Highway, given the population of Anthem.”

The additional lane will also help New River residents by easing highway congestion from Carefree Highway to Anthem, he added.

“It certainly appears representatives of various communities were able to come together and agree on a variety of projects that will help the whole Valley,” said Doug Nintzel, spokesman for the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The project’s environmental assessment is far enough along for the state to begin the final design, Nintzel said. If approved, road construction should start after July 1, 2008, 14 years ahead of MAG’s Regional Transportation Plan schedule. Design work could begin in the coming year.

The other projects selected by the MAG committee for accelerated funding are: Interstate 10  from Verrado Way to Sarival Road, Williams Gateway from Loop 202 (Santan) to Meridian Road, Loop 101 between Tatum Boulevard and Princess Drive, Loop 303 from Cactus to Waddell roads, Loop 303 interchange at Bell Road, and Baseline Road between Loop 202 and Loop 101.