Governor wants to end Riggs, 347 project

By
Jeff Chew, Reporter
-
5083
This map shows planned improvement projects on State Route 347, including the current widening project between Smith-Enke Road and city limits for prepare for future highway expansion. [Courtesy Arizona Department of Transportation]

Part of Gov. Katie Hobbs’ proposed $1 billion in state deficit cuts will drive some Maricopa motorists mad.

The governor proposes axing a $25 million interchange project planned on Riggs Road at State Route 347, which would eliminate the traffic light there.

Teresa Martinez, the vice chair of the House Transportation Committee and one of Maricopa’s representatives said that she’s ready to fight to keep the overpass project alive.

“I will, in no way support a budget that takes away money from 1-10 or 347,” Martinez said. “If I have to go through each agency and find cuts to make up for the money, I’ll do it.”

The project is funded for construction beginning in 2026, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Hobbs explained why she was slashing the state budget, targeting nearly $420 million in transportation projects.

“We are cutting out the wasteful taxpayer spending while making critical investments that will help middle class families buy a home, expand access to childcare, make prescription drugs more affordable and protect disabled Arizonans and seniors,” Hobbs said after floating her intent to nix the 347/Riggs Road project.

“This is what it looks like to invest in our communities and build a state that works for every Arizonan,” the governor said.

As proposed, the project would construct a new interchange to fully separate traffic on SR 347 and Riggs Road. State transportation officials said it would improve traffic flow and safety.

ADOT is conducting an environmental study and design concept report to evaluate interchange alternatives and select a preferred alternative.

The study is expected to be completed next year. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and take up to 18 months to complete, ADOT states.

If you want to contact Hobbs’ office, click here or call 602-542- 4331.

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5 COMMENTS

  1. I guess she will only be a 1 term Governor. Thats a great way of losing 70,000 votes. I really tried to see things from her point of view but found its physically impossible to get my head that far up my rear end

  4. I’d welcome the governor to talk to the families who have experienced loss due to the several fatalities that have occurred at this high-speed at-grade intersection if she desires a sympathetic ear. She can also explain why SR 202L, SR 101L, I-10, US-60, SR 303L, and SR 143 deserve grade separations for intersections for highway speeds of 55-65 mph but 347 is not worthy of her time or concern.

    She’s welcome to explain her vast transportation knowledge on this rather singling out something that appears to be in the “middle of nowhere” on Google Maps outside of the palatial confines of her offices for a community of 63,000.

    Queen Creek’s population of 66,346 apparently meets her threshold to deserve the creation of SR 24 and the planned improvements of extending both this highway and planned grade separations. But no…not SR 347, apparently.