Construction starts this weekend on major improvements to the Interstate 10 interchange at Jackrabbit Trail in Buckeye.
The Arizona Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that crews will begin establishing work zones on Saturday, Aug. 29. The two-year project will replace the I-10 bridges, widen interchange ramps, and expand the Jackrabbit Trail.
Weekend closures
The following closures will run from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday:
- The eastbound I-10 off-ramp at Jackrabbit Trail
- The westbound I-10 on-ramp at Jackrabbit Trail
- Southbound Jackrabbit Trail between McDowell Road and Roosevelt Street
Drivers can use the I-10 interchanges at Verrado Way or Perryville Road as alternate routes.
ADOT’s map shows the project area along Jackrabbit Trail between McDowell Road and Van Buren Street. The map is not to scale. [ADOT]
ADOT said future work will require additional closures and lane restrictions along I-10, Jackrabbit Trail and the interchange ramps. The agency will announce those restrictions as construction advances.
Most of the early work will occur near the flood-control channel west of Jackrabbit Trail. Buckeye officials expect limited traffic impacts during the first several months.
However, larger disruptions will come later. The city of Buckeye’s project page says the project will eventually require long-term ramp closures lasting approximately 45 days. Crews will also need to close a section of Jackrabbit Trail for about 20 days.
What Phase 1 includes
Crews will remove and reconstruct the existing I-10 bridges over Jackrabbit Trail. They will also widen the interchange ramps and add turning lanes.
The project will reconstruct the interchange and install traffic signals. Crews will expand Jackrabbit Trail to three lanes in each direction from McDowell Road to south of I-10.
Phase 1 extends from south of McDowell Road to north of Roosevelt Street. Construction should continue through 2028.
Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn previously called the project an investment in the city’s future.
“These improvements are a major investment in Buckeye’s future and will make traveling through this area safer and more efficient for years to come,” Orsborn said.
Project carries $176 million budget
The Maricopa Association of Governments’ fiscal year 2027 freeway program lists the project’s total budget at approximately $176.26 million.
That includes $105.46 million for construction and $58.5 million for right-of-way and utility work. The program also includes $10.8 million for design and $1.5 million for preliminary work.
The project receives funding through MAG’s Proposition 479 Regional Freeway Plan. Maricopa County voters approved the dedicated half-cent transportation sales tax in 2024.
Phase 2 will extend widening south
Phase 2 will continue the widening south of the interchange. Crews plan to expand Jackrabbit Trail to three lanes in each direction from I-10 to just north of Van Buren Street.
Buckeye expects Phase 2 to begin in 2028 after Phase 1 ends. ADOT’s project page notes that MAG and Buckeye are working to program funding for that phase.
The two phases will eventually widen Jackrabbit Trail between McDowell Road and Van Buren Street.
Drivers can find construction updates and subscribe for traffic alerts on ADOT’s I-10/Jackrabbit Trail project page.
Finally, watch the city’s video below for more information about the projects and construction schedule.
One Response
Buckeye expects Phase 2 to begin in 2028 after Phase 1 ends. ADOT’s project page notes that MAG and Buckeye are working to program funding for that phase.
I’m interpreting this as funding has not been secured? Future tax perhaps.