By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona Senate Republicans are raising alarms over potential budget cuts that could jeopardize long-planned safety and expansion projects along State Route 347, a vital corridor connecting the fast-growing city of Maricopa to the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Sen. David Farnsworth (R-LD10), who chairs the Senate Appropriations & Transportation Committee, and Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope (R-LD16) said Friday that they are working to ensure the Legislature preserves funding for the highway in the upcoming session. The push comes as SR 347 faces increasing traffic demands and a long history of serious crashes, including more than 300 collisions at the Riggs Road intersection alone.
More than three-quarters of Maricopa households depend on SR 347 for daily commutes. Yet the roadway has not been significantly widened since the late 1990s, despite dramatic population growth. Maricopa, which had roughly 1,500 residents in 2003, now exceeds 80,000.
Plans for the corridor include widening the entire highway, building a new overpass at Riggs Road, and upgrading key intersections. The projects are backed by a combination of legislative appropriations, local contributions totaling $50 million, and revenues approved by voters through Proposition 479. Construction on the Pinal County widening segment is expected to begin in late 2026.
Farnsworth said delaying construction is not an option. “SR 347 is essential for daily life in Maricopa; we cannot afford any delays when lives are at stake,” he said. “Every improvement we make on this corridor brings us closer to preventing tragedies, supporting economic growth, and ensuring Arizona families can travel safely for generations to come.”
Shope described the funding as “a lifeline,” arguing that cuts would undermine both public safety and regional economic stability. “Every dollar represents a commitment to saving lives and strengthening our economy,” Shope said. “Protecting this funding is not only sensible fiscal policy; it is a moral obligation to every driver who relies on this corridor to get home safely.”
City of Maricopa Mayor Nancy Smith said work is already moving forward, with design nearing completion and the project out for bid. “It is critical to keep all funding in place to allow this safety and capacity project to stay on track,” Smith said. “We are incredibly appreciative of Senator Farnsworth’s attention to the importance of this project.”
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
