(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents a coalition of property and business owners throughout Pinal County who have worked to bring new transportation infrastructure to the region.)
By Lee Shappell | InMaricopa
Proposition 469 to improve transportation, most notably roads, across Pinal County was defeated in the General Election.
Still, processes are moving forward that could result in the widening of State Route 347 from Maricopa’s northern city limits to Interstate 10 to reduce traffic jams and fatal crashes.
Arizona Department of Transportation this week posted a Request for Qualification for a design and engineering study to widen 13 miles of SR 347. The study, to be funded from an appropriation secured this year by District 16 Rep. Teresa Martinez, a Republican, would take until roughly mid-2024.
By that time, both Martinez and Maricopa Mayor Nancy Smith are hopeful funding will be in place for project construction – either by another measure put to voters or through the Legislature.
With a design study completed when construction funding is secured, work could begin almost immediately.
“The 347 is going to get done come hell or high water,” said Martinez, who quickly became GOP House whip.
