MARICOPA, Ariz. — People who live in Maricopa are asking the Arizona Department of Transportation to improve State Route 347, and the agency is now in the beginning stages of a project to address their concerns.
Dozens of Maricopa residents attended a meeting Thursday night at the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center where ADOT revealed its plans for SR 347.
“I want to see what’s going on with this death trap," Mona Politte, a Maricopa resident, said. “It’s scary. I don’t even want to go on it. I don’t want to drive on it.”
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Maricopa is essentially landlocked with SR 347 serving as the primary road connecting the city with Interstate 10.
“I commute on it three days a week," Charles Clarke, a Maricopa resident, said. “A lot of times you really sit for a long time just idling your cars.”
Population growth is mostly to blame for the traffic.
Maricopa grew by nearly 20,000 people in five years, according to the United States Census Bureau.
A Maricopa Association of Governments study said if improvements aren't made to SR 347, future traffic volumes will exceed the roadway.
“Maricopa has grown and it has been a great interest to the community and ADOT," ADOT spokesperson Steve Elliott said.
ADOT has three major roadway improvement projects lined up on SR 347, but they're all moving at a different pace.
First, widening SR 347 by one lane in each direction. Studies are ongoing and the funding hasn't been secured yet.
“Trying to have that project ready, so that when funding is identified, we can move forward with it," Elliott said.
Second, an interchange at Riggs Road. Final designs are expected to begin in 2025.
“That’s going to build a bridge that’s going to separate 347 traffic from Riggs Road and it’s really going to help with the congestion and safety," Elliott said.
Lastly, improving intersections along SR 347. Designs are being drawn up and construction is expected to begin in 2025.
"We’re invested in 347 and we have some good things in the pipeline," Elliott said.
Residents at Thursday night's meeting seemed satisfied with the plan.
“So far, I’m very impressed," Clarke said.
However, they want to see movement sooner rather than later.
“If only it gets done," Politte said.
Full details on the SR 347 corridor projects can be seen here.
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