No, SR 347 Widening Isn’t Stalled Until 2031: Unpacking the Facts

Residents in Maricopa have expressed confusion regarding the timeline for the State Route 347 Corridor Widening, primarily due to the existence of two separate projects along the route.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) have confirmed that the Pinal County segment, extending from Riggs Road to the northern limits of Maricopa, is fully funded. This segment is set for design in the upcoming year, with construction slated for fiscal year 2027, as outlined in ADOT’s five-year plan.

In contrast, the Maricopa County segment, which stretches from Interstate 10 to Riggs Road, is currently planned for fiscal year 2031, according to MAG’s Transportation Improvement Program. This disparity has led to significant misinformation circulating on social media, with many misunderstanding the phased nature of the project.

Arminta Syed, MAG’s transportation policy and initiatives program manager, emphasized the complexity of coordinating such multifaceted projects. “The 347 Corridor is a complicated coordination effort,” she noted. Funding for the Pinal County segment emerged through advocacy from policymakers across Maricopa, Florence, and Phoenix.

The inclusion of SR 347 funding in MAG’s transport program for fiscal year 2031 was approved in May, prior to ADOT incorporating its section into its own five-year plan. “We anticipated the possibility of additional funding but lacked official confirmation,” Syed explained. MAG plans to seek approval next year to advance funding, aligning it with ADOT’s timeline for the southern segment.

At a recent MAG Transportation Policy Committee meeting, Assistant Executive Director John Bullen described SR 347 as an essential yet heavily trafficked corridor. “It is the major lifeline in and out of Maricopa,” he said, highlighting ongoing congestion and safety concerns.

Bullen reiterated the importance of collaboration to advance the entire project. “We aim to position the Maricopa County component effectively, allowing it to progress as further resources for the Pinal County section are secured,” he added. The successful acquisition of these resources means the project is poised to advance, with MAG orchestrating regional funding while ADOT oversees infrastructure development.

ADOT spokesperson Steve Elliott reaffirmed the cooperative relationship with MAG, stating, “We work closely with them in scheduling and planning for these projects, ensuring alignment on SR 347.”