The Interstate 10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project, a significant infrastructure initiative in Phoenix and Tempe, is set to conclude by spring 2025 after four years of construction. This ambitious project aims to alleviate traffic congestion for the more than 300,000 daily commuters who traverse this critical section of I-10. By 2040, traffic volumes are projected to increase to 375,000 vehicles per day. The project has involved extensive road closures and restrictions on weekends, impacting local travel. As one of nine major transportation projects planned for 2025, it represents a crucial step in preparing the region for future growth and improved mobility.

Revitalizing a Critical Transportation Corridor

The I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project focuses on enhancing an 11-mile stretch of highway between Loop 202 and I-17 near Sky Harbor International Airport. This section, which curves beneath Broadway Road, is a key transportation artery for both daily commuters and travelers. The project addresses long-standing issues with traffic flow and aims to reduce travel times during peak hours while improving access to the airport and supporting public transit initiatives.

This transformative project includes widening I-10 to six lanes with two high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes between U.S. 60 and I-17, adding a fourth lane in each direction between Ray Road and U.S. 60, and constructing longer entrance and exit ramps to ease merging traffic. Additionally, the interchange with State Route 143 will be rebuilt, and new connections from the HOV lanes to SR 143 will be created. Bridges over I-10 at Broadway Road and 48th Street will also be replaced. These improvements are designed to enhance safety and efficiency for all road users, laying the foundation for sustainable urban development in the region.

Navigating the Construction Challenges

Since its inception in fall 2021, the Broadway Curve Improvement Project has faced numerous challenges, including unexpected delays that could extend the completion timeline beyond the anticipated spring 2025 deadline. During this period, drivers have experienced frequent weekend closures and restrictions on major roadways such as U.S. 60, I-10, and State Route 143. ADOT has advised motorists to use designated detours and local streets to avoid disruptions and allow extra travel time.

Funding for this $615 million project comes primarily from a half-cent sales tax approved by Maricopa County voters in 2004 through Proposition 400, with additional support from the Federal Highway Administration. In 2024, voters renewed this tax through Proposition 479, ensuring continued funding for road and transportation infrastructure until 2045. This financial backing underscores the community's commitment to addressing current traffic challenges and preparing for future growth. The project not only enhances highway capacity but also supports public transit, contributing to a more integrated and efficient transportation network in the region.