Exact date for SR347 relief looks bumpy

Relief appears to be coming for commuters who travel up and down SR347. The question on the mind of many Maricopa residents is when?

Work is scheduled for a stretch of roadway that Maricopa residents have to deal with all too often on a daily basis, including its potholes and bumpy spots.

However, a meeting that was supposed to take place last week to determine the actual start date, as well as the time the contractor will be working, was pushed back until at least after Fourth of July, according to Arizona Department of Transportation Spokesperson Teresa Welborn. Welborn said those attending the meeting will be representatives from ADOT, the City of Maricopa and the contractor, Meadow Valley.

“We understand the frustration that our residents have had over the delay of the repaving project,” Maricopa Public Affairs Manager Jennifer Grentz said. “City officials are working closely with ADOT in order to ensure that the project is done efficiently. ADOT informed the City of Maricopa Friday that the program manager for this project is delayed due to other projects in the state.”

Once the work begins, Welborn said, there will be resurfacing of 10 miles of the road from the Pinal County line south, along with the installation of a new traffic signal at Casa Blanca Road. The project is scheduled for completion by fall 2007 at a cost of $5.8 million.

Scheduled to go to bid in fiscal 2008 is the resurfacing of six miles of 347 from the Pinal County line north. Construction of a dual left turn lane at the Queen Creek traffic interchange at I-10 will also take place.

SR347 was reconstructed in 1992 and widened from two lanes to four.

Photos by Dave Thomas
Work on 10 miles of SR347 from the Pinal County line south, including a new signal light at Casa Blanca Road, is scheduled for fall 2007 completion.

Roadwork is ahead for SR347 south; next year the work will be done on six miles of SR347 north.