PHOENIX, AZ — The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has selected the Coffman-Fisher design-build team, consisting of Coffman Specialties Inc., Fisher Sand & Gravel Company, and lead designer Stantec Consulting Services Inc. to deliver the northern segment of the I-10 Wild Horse Pass Corridor improvements project that will enhance safety and mobility along I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona.

The project will cover approximately 12 miles of I-10 in Arizona, from Loop 202 to the Gila River Bridges, within the Gila River Indian Community. Improvements will include the addition of one general-purpose lane and one high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane in each direction from Loop 202 to south of Riggs Road. They will also include the addition of one general-purpose lane in each direction from south of Riggs Road to the Gila River Bridges. Other improvements include interchange modifications at Wild Horse Pass, Queen Creek (SR 347), Riggs Road, a new interchange at Koli Road, and rehabilitation of the Goodyear Road grade separated structure over I-10. Additional enhancements include intelligent transportation systems (ITS), lighting, signals, signing and pavement markings, and drainage improvements throughout the corridor.

The project is a collaboration between ADOT, the Federal Highway Administration, the Gila River Indian Community, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Maricopa Association of Governments. The total estimated project value for this segment is $410 million, with the overall corridor program valued at roughly $1 billion.
The corridor is a major commuter and freight route, connecting the Gila River Indian Community to the Maricopa and Pinal counties and serves as a primary connector to people traveling between Phoenix and Chandler and the bedroom communities through SR 347. The improvements will address long-standing bottleneck issues along the corridor, reduce congestion for up to 126,000 vehicles daily, and enhance safety by adding additional lanes in each direction. The project will also support growth within the Gila River Indian Community, encouraging new development and providing enhanced access to the Wild Horse Pass Resort and Casino. Additionally, ADOT will work with the Tribal Employment Rights Office to create jobs for community members during construction.

“The I-10 corridor serves as a vital connector between Tucson and Phoenix, and we welcome the opportunity to help improve the connectivity of these communities,” said Robert Lemke, Senior Project Manager at Stantec. “Working alongside ADOT and Coffman-Fisher as our design-build partner, we will deliver a safer and more connected commuter experience across Arizona.”

Improving freight movement along this vital corridor will also support Arizona’s economy, especially manufacturing and logistics hubs in Casa Grande and Phoenix. State leaders view this as a key driver for future economic development.

In initial planning with ADOT and the project stakeholders, the design-build team created an alternative approach to the originally proposed corridor improvement plans. Replacing the entire stretch of existing asphalt with new concrete pavement will provide a 30-year life span at nearly the same cost as new asphalt, resulting in significant long-term maintenance savings for ADOT. This innovation was made possible through the design-build delivery method, allowing for alternative technical concepts and efficient construction phasing.