FAST Act bill will fund Interstate 11

Congress recently approved a long-term federal transportation funding bill that includes two high priority corridors along Interstate 11 in Arizona.

The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), which is designed to last for the next five years, is a sign of significant progress. Now local departments of transportation can plan their infrastructure projects for the years to come.

The Arizona Department of Transportation will continue its progress in planning for Interstate 11 as well as the Sonoran Corridor, based in Tucson. These infrastructure projects will improve the local as well as national economy.

The bill designates Interstate 11 as a high priority corridor since it extends from Nogales to Tucson to Phoenix to Wickenburg and to the state of Nevada. The interstate then reaches northward in Nevada until it reaches Las Vegas, Reno and eventually Interstate 80.

“Interstate 11 is part of Arizona’s Key Commerce Corridors plan that connects our state to regional and international markets while opening up new opportunities for mobility, job growth and economic competitiveness,” John Halikowski, ADOT director, said. “In addition to the formal designation of I-11 and the Sonoran Corridor, having a five-year plan offers the long-term predictability we have been fighting for and helps ADOT better plan, build and sustain a transportation system that improves the quality of life in our growing state.”