ADOT’s Broadway Curve Project Faces Major Delays and Ballooning Costs

PHOENIX — The extensive renovation of the Broadway Curve continues, impacting over 300,000 daily commuters. Originally slated for completion in late 2024, the project remains several months away from finishing.

Marcy McMacken, an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) spokeswoman, confirmed, “Everything will be all done and will be completed by this spring.” Work is progressing, albeit behind schedule.

This I-10 Broadway Curve Improvement Project, stretching 11 miles from the Loop 202 to Interstate 17, aims to expand capacity and enhance infrastructure around Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The renovation includes widening I-10 to six lanes, adding two HOV lanes, and constructing additional collector-distributor roads while also replacing several bridges.

Although designed to reduce congestion and support future growth, the project’s costs have ballooned significantly. Initial estimates placed the budget at $615 million; however, current projections suggest expenses could soar to approximately $832 million, driven by various challenges, including a significant flooding incident affecting the Salt River.

Despite these delays, ADOT plans to avoid road closures during spring training to cater to tourists, emphasizing their commitment to minimizing disruption for motorists. McMacken noted, “We did not schedule any freeway closures the last 3.5 years during the weekdays to minimize the impact on motorists.”

The increased funding also encompasses technological advancements at traffic signals, which will now adapt to real-time traffic data, as well as investments in wrong-way detection systems and land acquisition.

Funding sources include federal contributions and a half-cent sales tax approved by voters, reflecting significant investment in one of ADOT’s largest urban freeway reconstruction endeavors.