By AZ Mag
A choreographed click of scissors and falling white ribbon celebrated the full opening of Northern Parkway in El Mirage October 25, marking a milestone in a project that helps complete a promise made to voters under Proposition 400.
The improvement project was included in the 2003 Regional Transportation Plan and supported by a continuation of the dedicated half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004. With the recent completion of overpasses at Dysart and El Mirage roads, traffic no longer has to use the frontage roads when traveling from east to west.
“There are several major benefits to the Northern Parkway improvements,” said El Mirage Mayor Alexis Hermosillo. “I believe most people will appreciate the additional lanes that were added. It now takes less time to get from one side of the West Valley to the other,” she said.
The corridor project extends 12.5 miles between Loop 303 (Estrella Freeway) and US 60 (Grand Avenue) in northwestern Maricopa County. More than $237.5 million in regional funding has been allocated by the Maricopa Association of Governments for the portion between Loop 303 (Estrella Freeway) and Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway). Maricopa County and the cities of El Mirage, Glendale, and Peoria also contributed funding to the project.
Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman noted that the improvements will help increase vehicle capacity and spur economic development.
