Hundreds Turn Out to ADOT Meeting, Lament ‘Unacceptable and Failing’ SR 347

Cobblestone Farms residents K.C. and Jeff Youngdale participated in recent discussions about the future of State Route 347 during an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) community meeting held at the Maricopa Library and Cultural Center on August 15, 2024.

Over 200 local residents gathered to delve into the proposed improvements for the often-congested highway. K.C. Youngdale expressed a desire to understand the plans firsthand. “You read this, you read that, and everybody has their own opinion,” she remarked. Her husband, Jeff, shared a more optimistic view, stating, “They seem like good ideas.”

ADOT’s Corridor Manager, Trent Kelso, highlighted the urgent need for these improvements laid out in a 2022 study by the Maricopa Association of Governments. He warned that without action, future traffic volumes on Route 347 would significantly exceed its capacity, leading to severe congestion. The proposed enhancements include widening the road by one lane in both directions and turning the Riggs Road intersection into a traffic interchange, alongside upgrades to four other intersections for improved traffic flow.

The community has until August 29 to submit their input on the recommended options, which have already garnered over 700 public comments that Kelso described as “valuable input to help determine community and public preferences.” Among the proposals are two options for a diamond interchange at Riggs Road that would facilitate a smooth flow of traffic, either by building a bridge over the highway or having the highway itself elevated over Riggs Road.

Suggestions for improving Casa Blanca Road, Mammoth Way, Borgia Road, and Old Maricopa Road include the addition of longer turn lanes and acceleration lanes to enhance safety and flow.

Maricopa’s State Representatives Teresa Martinez (R) and Keith Seaman (D), both members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, lauded the robust turnout. “The attendance here tonight shows how important this project is to all of us,” Seaman commented, with Martinez echoing his sentiments by urging community members to remain vocal about their concerns. “We have to keep the pressure on ADOT,” she insisted, emphasizing the importance of public accountability.

Both lawmakers have actively advocated for prioritizing the highway, which has now been included in ADOT’s five-year plan and ranks among the department’s top projects. Martinez remarked, “That road is literally the third most important road because we’re so passionate about it.” Seaman expressed his hope that persistent advocacy would ensure timely funding and implementation of these improvements.

The state transportation department is encouraging public feedback on the proposed enhancements until August 29 via various channels:

• Online Comment Form: gov/SR347Comment
• Phone: 855-712-8530
• Email: Kimberly Larson at [email protected]
• Mail: ADOT Community Relations, 1655 W. Jackson St., MD 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007