The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is exploring the possibility of procuring a number of improvements for I-17 through a P3.
The estimated USD 500m project would include the construction of three southbound lanes and four northbound lanes on a new roadway alignment. The project would also entail building a new northbound climbing lane from Black Canyon City to Sunset Point and the addition of one or two reversible lanes on the interstate.
A spokeswoman for ADOT told InfraAmericas the department will conduct a traffic and revenue study in order to determine whether a P3 is an appropriate procurement mechanism for the project.
Community interest
The spokesperson noted that the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (CYMPO) board has expressed interest in improving the I-17 corridor.
Gail Lewis, director for ADOT’s Office of P3 Initiatives and International Affairs, presented educational information regarding P3s to the board on 29 July so that the board could consider the option of an alternative procurement. The spokesperson added that P3s are just one procurement option the board is now exploring.
Lewis’s presentation noted that CYMPO would have to define the scope of the project, determine its cost and the availability of funding before moving forward. The board would also have to analyze the project’s toll viability including tolling infrastructure cost, travel alternatives, and expected levels of revenue from several tolling options.
The presentation further notes that CYMPO would ultimately have to conduct a value-for-money (VfM) analysis in order to determine whether public or private funding provides better value for the owner and present all options, including “no-build” to the board.
The spokesperson could not provide a timeline for when CYMPO will make its decision.
Possible P3s ADOT is currently looking at the possibility of procuring compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling facilities as P3s.
The agency is also conducting a technical assessment for a stormwater pump rehabilitation project in the Phoenix area. Lewis previously told InfraAmericas that the project “looks like it could be a good candidate” for a P3 but added that a technical study would have to be completed before ADOT could undertake a value for money assessment.
ADOT is also working on a VfM assessment on a which would entail replacing high-pressure sodium lighting on freeways in the Phoenix area with LED lighting as well as another to build truck weighing stations across the state. Both are being considered as possible P3 projects.
