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Arizona obtained a federal highway grant worth $90 million for the expansion and improvement of the Interstate 17 north of Phoenix including a flex lanes system between Black Canyon and the Sunset Point Rest Area.

On Monday, the Governor’s Office and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced that the Federal Highway Administration awarded Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant.

The state will use the money as part of Arizona’s approximately $320 million project to add lanes along 1-17 between Anthem Way and Sunset Point. The state expects the construction to start in 2021 and to be completed in 2023.

In a statement, Gov. Doug Ducey commented, “This is exciting news for Arizona and our growing economy. Arizona’s fiscally conservative, balanced budget made significant investments in our state’s infrastructure. This additional funding will expand Interstate 17 in a critical commerce corridor, helping reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and increase public safety.”

On the other hand, ADOT Director Johh Halikowski said, “This is great news for the entire state and in particular for those living in and traveling to northern Arizona.” He also expressed to the department’s partners including the state’s congressional delegation for helping the 1-17 improvement project forward.

Improving 1-17 is a priority

One of Arizona’s transportation priorities is improving the 1-17 north of Phoenix because that area experiences heavy traffic due crashes and other incidents.

Gov. Ducey recently approved the state budget that included a $130 million funding for the 1-17 improvement project.

Halikowski explained, “I-17 plays a key role in moving people and products in Arizona and national commerce between regional and international markets, including Mexico. There are no reasonable alternative routes when traffic on I-17 is impacted. That’s why this is both a state and national priority.”