I10 PhoenixTucson Bypass Study

1
I-10 Phoenix-TucsonBypass Study

• MAG Transportation Policy Committee
• December 12, 2007

2
Study Mission

• To make a preliminary assessment of the need for
  and feasibility of a new transportation corridor
  that would provide an alternative to I-10.

3
I-10 Bypass Study Area
4
Study Process

• Public Meetings in May (4 locations)
• Stakeholder Interviews (42)
• Field Tour in September
• Preliminary Findings to State Transportation
  Board (November 5)
• Public Meetings in Nov/Dec (7 locations)

5
Themes of Stakeholder and Public Responses

• Substantial city/county support for I-10 bypass
• Concern about promoting growth in San Pedro and
  Aravaipa valleys
• Concern about impacts to environmentally
  sensitive lands and wildlife
• Concern about impact on developed and entitled
  lands
• Promote travel by rail
• Growth may not occur
• Focus all improvements on existing transportation
  corridors

6
Is There a Need for an Alternative Route for I-10?

• Arizonas population is expected to continue to
  increase to between 13 and 16 million by 2050.
• There will be extensive traffic congestion on
  I-10 in Phoenix and Tucson areas even with all
  planned improvements.
• Due to economic globalization, truck traffic is
  expected to increase faster than automobile
  traffic between metro areas.
• Growth in Pinal County and to lesser extent in
  Graham and Cochise counties needs highway system.
• No alternative to I-10 in southern Arizona.

7
Are There Feasible Alternative Corridors?

• Avoid Indian Reservations.
• Avoid protected lands.
• Have minimal impact on urban development and land
  entitled for development.
• Able to constructed through terrain?
• Accommodate wildlife crossings and other context
  sensitive features.

8
Corridor Alternatives andMajor Constraints
9
Basic Findings

• Improve I-10 to maximum extent reasonable
• Promote rail freight and passenger service
• Select a corridor that is context sensitive to
  environmental, social, urban, and transportation
  issues
• Preserve the corridor for future use
• Explore long-term major funding sources

10
Next Steps

• Present results to State Transportation Board
• Decide whether to proceed to next level of study