A study to decide the potential of Kortsen Road as a possible Interstate 10 exit will cost the city of Casa Grande $583,592.
The City Council approved the expense Monday, agreeing to hire Jacobs Engineering Group to draft a design and concept report.
A new exit is considered necessary because PhoenixMart, a shopping complex to be built east of Overfield Road, between Florence Boulevard and Cottonwood Lane, is expected to increase traffic, according to staff reports. Construction of PhoenixMart could begin later this year.
Kortsen Road was selected over Cottonwood Lane for better high- way planning, Public Works Director Kevin Louis told the council.
“We can’t put it on Cottonwood,” Louis said.
The Federal Highway Administration requires two miles between exits, and the Arizona Department of Transportation in its I-10 widening master plan identified Kortsen Road as the best place for an exit, Louis said.
On some parts of I-10 in the Valley, exits are one mile apart and that causes traffic congestion, he said.
The study will focus on the best interchange configuration. An environmental overview will also be done.
“The contract will include identifying the location, right of way needs and permits necessary for the sanitary sewer line improvements needed,” Louis said.
The study could take 18 months. When it is finished, there is no promise of help from the state to finance the interchange.
“ADOT has made it clear they will not participate in funding this,” Louis said.
But the consultant will help the city find grants for construction of the interchange and related improvements, he said.
The study area will include the I-10 corridor north and south of Kortsen Road. Funding for the study is being provided from impact fees.
