Traffic on southbound State Route 347 will be squeezed and slowed just north of Cobblestone Farms Drive/Lakeview Drive Monday through Oct. 21 although two lanes will be open while Maricopa completes the final leg of its median-beautification project. 

The lane closest to the median will be closed, however a traffic-flow modification will keep two lanes moving at reduced speed by routing vehicles onto the second lane and shoulder area.

The project began early this year and runs from the Union Pacific Railroad overpass to the city’s northern border. 

It includes installation of footers for the long-awaited “M” monument, which will greet drivers entering the city from the north on SR 347. Those footers are scheduled to be drilled the first week in October. 

The monument project is moving forward after the recent agreement between the city and Arizona Department of Transportation that cedes control of the highway within city limits to Maricopa. 

Crews from Haydon Construction on Monday will begin removal of irrigation lines, low voltage wires and lights that might be in the way of asphalt demolition, which begins the following Monday, Sept. 26.  

Two southbound lanes will remain open at all times during the project, according to Juan Ramirez, project manager for Haydon Construction.