Arizona DOT Says Ready-To-Go Projects Could Fuel 35,000 Jobs

The Arizona Dept. of Transportation has identified over $1.2 billion in projects that would be ready to go in under 180 days if they were funded by a proposed federal economic recovery package. Projects include the 7-mile, $146-million Loop 303 from Lake Pleasant Road to Interstate 17, the $50-million widening of I-10 from I-8 to State Route 87, and the $50-million Cordes Junction Traffic Interchange on I-17, which would include a construction-manager-at-risk contract.

“We have critical needs in our state and can quickly move forward with more than 100 projects around Arizona, as soon as Congress acts,” says Victor Mendez, ADOT director. “Arizona, like most states, is facing a pressing budget deficit for maintaining critical infrastructure. An economic recovery package would help us address several of the most timely problems and meet the needs of travelers, commerce and communities.” He adds that the projects would translate into 35,000 new jobs in Arizona.

The total includes $356 million in airport work throughout the state. That includes a $146-million north segment of the automated people mover at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix. The train will eventually connect the airport’s three main terminals to the rental car center and the city’s new light rail system, which opens this month.

Blair leads day-to-day operations of the ENR editorial team to ensure brand quality and further best practices. He spearheads ENR's various competitions, including Best Projects and the Award of Excellence, and organizes editorial content at events including the Top Young Professionals conference. A Jesse H. Neal, Construction Media Alliance and AZBEES-award-winning writer and videographer, Blair frequently contributes to ENR’s burgeoning video channel with project tour videos and interviews with industry leaders. He is also a frequent speaker and moderator on topics such as diversity and inclusion, design and jobsite technology, construction means and methods and marketing.

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