The Arizona Department of Transportation says it has completed construction of its Broadway Curve expansion project on Interstate 10.
It includes new travel and HOV lanes in both directions between U.S. 60 and Interstate 17.
It was initially slated to be done late last year, but hit delays. In all, the project took four years to complete at a cost of more than $800 million.
Gov. Katie Hobbs says it’s the largest urban freeway expansion project in ADOT’s history.
“The Broadway Curve has solidified itself as a key driver of the Arizona economy," Hobbs said.
It was partly funded by the half-cent sales transportation tax approved by voters in 2004. ADOT says an estimated 300,000 cars use the curve on an average weekday.
“It’s really critically important to invest in all of these modes of infrastructure so people are using different ways of getting around the city of Tempe but also getting around the Valley," Tempe Mayor Corey Woods said.
Woods says increased use of light rail or streetcar can ease traffic congestion.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego says another part of reducing congestion is reducing the chances of accidents.
"Often the most dangerous point on a freeway is when you merge. The new design means that there is far less merging so you can often stay in a lane much longer, and that you have more time to merge. We think that should dramatically reduce accidents," Gallego said.
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