ADOT outlines freeway plans

Southwest Valley commuters can look forward to some relief.

Arizona Department of Transportation officials on Thursday updated improvement plans for Interstate 10 and discussed the future of the area's freeway system.

ADOT expects to complete the I-10 expansion from Loop 101 to Verrado Way in 2010, said Brock Barnhart, community-relations project manager, who spoke at a Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting.

The agency also is beginning environmental studies for expanding Loop 303 south of I-10 into southern Goodyear.

"The projects are needed with the extensive growth," Barnhart said. "It's exciting because they are coming sooner rather than later."

Here are some of ADOT's plans in the area:

I-10 from Sarival Avenue to Loop 101

• Adding one general-purpose lane and one HOV lane in each direction within the median.

• Construction under way.

• Cost: $102 million.

I-10 from Sarival to Dysart Road

• Adding one general-purpose lane and one auxiliary lane (for merging on and off) in each direction adjacent to the outside lanes.

• Construction planned for mid-2009.

• Cost: $35 million.

Verrado Way to Sarival Avenue

• Adding one general-purpose lane in each direction within the median.

• Construction planned for early 2009.

• Cost: $43.2 million.

I-10 to Loop 303 interchange

• Realigning I-10 by 200 feet north of existing roadway to facilitate 1-10 to Loop 303 interchange.

• Construction planned for 2011.

• No cost estimate yet.

I-10 from Arizona 85 to Verrado Way

• Adding one general-purpose lane in each direction within the median.

• Construction planned for 2023.

• No cost estimate yet.