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A Smoother Commute: Which Phoenix Streets Could Soon Be Fixed

Phoenix has 4,856 miles of streets. Most are the smaller, less traveled roads in neighborhoods. But it’s the major streets covering 736 miles that were the focus of Tuesday’s Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee meeting.

Ray Dovalina, director of street transportation, wants to spend more than $11 million in sales tax revenue to improve nearly 73 miles of pavement.

"We’re always striving to make sure we’re picking the right streets and picking the right treatment for those streets," he said.

The list that Dovalina presented covers nearly 60 projects stretching from Mayo Boulevard in the north to Baseline Road in the south, from 32nd Street to 75th Avenue.

But, for District 3 Councilman Bill Gates, it was more about the number four — that’s how many projects fall in his district.

“Right now, my residents aren’t getting a lot for their money, and they’re going to be paying a lot of this tax," he said. "So, I think we need a real focus moving forward. We need to see some equity because I’m not seeing it so far.”

Gates found support with District 4 Councilwoman Laura Pastor, whose central Phoenix district includes several projects.

“We do have to look at the whole city, and the while city is having issues because I drive the whole city and see the dynamics," she said.

The subcommittee approved the plan and the full council must give the green light before the projects can start in the spring.

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As a senior field correspondent, Christina Estes focuses on stories that impact our economy, your wallet and public policy.