Mayor Nancy Smith’s office shared a recap from a community meeting about the State Route 347 Improvement Project, including a project timeline, expected traffic impacts and major design updates.

Project timeline

• Phase 1: June 29, 2026, to December 2026.
• Phase 1 focuses on resurfacing, starting with the southbound side. The outside shoulder would be resurfaced first, followed by the right lane, then the left lane.
• Future phases are planned to begin later this winter.
• The estimated total duration is about 3.5 years, with expected completion around the end of 2029.

Speed limit changes

• Starting Monday, speed limits will change to 55 mph.
• Speed in construction zones will be 45 mph.

Phase 1: what residents and drivers should expect

• Two lanes remain open in each direction for most of the project. There will be one lane for nights and weekends.
• Most work will be done overnight and on weekends to reduce daytime disruption.
• A planned construction break is scheduled for July 3 through July 6.
• The construction area will stretch roughly up to 4 miles at a time.
• Construction hours generally run from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• DPS and sheriff’s deputies will be present for enforcement and safety.

Major design updates

• All of SR 347 will eventually expand to 3 lanes from I-10 to the city.
• The I-10 interchange at Queen Creek Rd will be built as a flyover.
• The Riggs Road interchange will be an overpass over Riggs Rd, a process that requires right-of-way acquisition and an estimated about 1 year to build once started (timing still TBD).
• The Casa Blanca signal/light will stay in place, and intersection improvements will be made.
• At the Mammoth (Cement Plant), an overpass will be added.
• The Maricopa Rd intersection will receive improvements, including a continuous right-hand turn.
• Street lighting will be placed only at intersections, not along the full corridor.

The mayor’s office also told residents they can sign up for updates through the ADOT newsletter at azdot.gov/sr347.

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