The Arizona Department of Transportation has released a summary of their outreach campaign to hear the public’s opinion about its Interstate 10/Jackrabbit Trail interchange project.
That summary tells us exactly what residents had to say about the project, including several simple praises for doing the work and questions about why ADOT is doing what it is.
“Please please please install a noise barrier wall on the north side of I-10 between Jackrabbit and Perryville,” one resident said. “We live not far north of there and the traffic noise is at times unbearable.”
According to ADOT, a noise analysis was done and “anticipated noise levels within the project limits warrant consideration of noise abatement measures.”
No final mitigation recommendations are being made at this time, as proposed noise abatement will be re-evaluated in the near future with the new widening project on I-10 between State Route 85 and Citrus Road.
While another resident asked for ramp meters to be installed, one asked why ADOT is constructing a tight diamond interchange (TDI) and not a diverging diamond interchange (DDI).
“The existing traffic interchange is currently a TDI, but the improvements contemplated would upgrade the Interchange to provide traffic signals and several more lanes of traffic on Jackrabbit Trail and the I-10 freeway ramp approaches to Jackrabbit Trail,” ADOT responded. “An improved TDI was found to be more favorable than converting the interchange to a DDI since DDI’s do not operate properly when in very close proximity to a major intersection such as McDowell.”
The project in question includes a two-phased approach to expedite addressing traffic congestion at the I-10/Jackrabbit Trail interchange while continuing work on the overall project.
Phase 1 Planned improvements include:
- Reconstructing the existing traffic interchange and adding traffic signals.
- Widening the interchange ramps to provide additional turn lanes.
- Removing and reconstructing the existing I-10 bridges over Jackrabbit Trail.
- Widening Jackrabbit Trail to three lanes in each direction south of McDowell Road to south of Interstate 10
Phase 2 Planned improvements include:
- Widening Jackrabbit Trail to three lanes in each direction south of the I-10/Jackrabbit Trail traffic interchange to just north of Van Buren Street.
In September 2024, ADOT completed the final Design Concept Report (DCR) for improvements at the I-10/Jackrabbit Trail traffic interchange.
ADOT developed the DCR and environmental evaluation based on current and projected traffic volumes that account for surrounding development at the interchange.
This project is included in the Regional Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Investment Plan and will be funded in part through Proposition 479, a dedicated half-cent sales tax for transportation approved by Maricopa County voters in 2024.
Project Timeline
- Phase 1 60% Design Presentation - Anticipated May 2025
- Phase 1 Design Completion - Anticipated early 2026
- Phase 1 Construction - Anticipated to begin in mid-2026
- Phase 2 Design Completion - Anticipated Summer 2026
- Phase 2 Construction - Anticipated late 2026
Read more about the I-10/Jackrabbit Trail Traffic Interchange Project here.
2 Responses
This is taking way too long! Design review was done last year. Traffic back up for miles both ways, and worse now with an additional stop sign on Jackrabbit. Now we have to wait until next year for this project to begin? Absolutely rediculous when the funding was approved in the 2024 election.
From the article: “An improved TDI was found to be more favorable than converting the interchange to a DDI since DDI’s do not operate properly when in very close proximity to a major intersection such as McDowell.”
Question: How is that statement close to accurate with the introduction of the DDI at Watson Rd.? There is so much retail there it is the hub of retail and traffic. Jackrabbit Trail on and off ramps have Cattle
guards!