New funding for an infrastructure project in Wickenburg, Ariz. could potentially help pave the way for the creation of the proposed Interstate 11 route.
Arizona senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly announced Monday that $26 million from an infrastructure bill has been allocated to the Town of Wickenburg for converting four miles of U.S. 93 from a two-lane highway to four lanes.
The improvements to U.S. 93 also include creating a new two-lane frontage road and a roundabout at the U.S. 93 and the State Route 89 intersection.
“This investment will make a real difference for Wickenburg and take us one step closer to connecting Phoenix and Las Vegas via Interstate 11,” Kelly said in a statement. “These improvements will help reduce traffic, create jobs, and boost economic opportunities for years to come. Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, we’re taking meaningful steps to ensure Arizona’s infrastructure meets the demands of our growing communities.”
A section of the I-11 corridor identified in 2021 would begin on U.S. 93 in Wickenburg before moving south down to Buckeye, then move west through Pinal County and then eventually travel south down to Tucson and Nogales. When initially proposed, the project was envisioned as an alternative pathway between Las Vegas and the Valley.
Though several elected officials have expressed support and enthusiasm for the I-11 project over the years, not everyone in Arizona has been thrilled about the construction of another freeway.
Environmental groups have previously filed a lawsuit in an effort to halt the I-11 project and rural residents have objected to having the freeway built in their communities.
Earlier this year, the Pima County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution asking Gov. Katie Hobbs to prevent I-11 from disrupting rural areas like Avra Valley.
Officials currently plan to move ahead with plans and try to secure the proper funding to usher in the planning and design phase.
Source: MSN.com, 12News.com
