The RTP was originally divided into four five-year phases, based on forecasts of when the funding was anticipated to be available for improvements. Responding to federal transportation planning requirements, the RTP is being extended through 2031 by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) to maintain a 20-year planning horizon. As a result, a fifth phase has been added to the RTP, covering the period from 2026 through 2031. Consistent with federal planning guidelines, funding for transportation projects is based on revenue sources that are considered to be reasonably available for the planning period. According to MAG, this assumes that for planning purposes funding sources with a long history of providing funding in the past will continue into the future. 

In fall 2009, due to declining sales tax revenues and decreases in other transportation revenue sources to fund improvements, MAG recommended that some future projects be deferred to Phase V of the plan. As part of the planning process, project costs and funding levels are continuously monitored, and the RTP is periodically updated to take advantage of cost savings or changes in the transportation revenue outlook. According to MAG planners, this can result in the acceleration of projects that were formerly deferred. For more information about RTP projects deferred to Phase V in the MAG tentative scenario, please visit the MAG Web site.

The planned improvements along Grand Avenue are described below, including the timeframe or phase in which the improvements are scheduled to occur.

US 60 (Grand Avenue) - 99th to 83rd Avenues

• Schedule: Phase I (2006-2010) of the Regional Transportation Plan
  Construction of this section began in October 2009 and is anticipated to take approximately 12-18 months to complete.
• Length: 2 miles
• Budget: $6.5 million for construction
• Project Summary: Add one general-purpose lane in each direction to create a continuous six-lane arterial roadway.
     

  I. Loop 303 to 99th Avenue - Widening Project

• Schedule: Phase I (2006-2010) of the Regional Transportation Plan
  Construction of this section began in early 2010 and is expected to be completed in late 2011.
• Length: 10 miles
• Budget: $18 million
• Project Summary: Adds one general-purpose lane in each direction to create a continuous six-lane arterial roadway.

  II. Loop 303 to Loop 101 - Other Improvements*

• Schedule: Phase III (2016-2020) of the Regional Transportation Plan
• Project Summary: Make proposed improvements to traffic flow and other general improvements. Improvements have been recommended to the Maricopa Association of Governments as part of a feasibility study for possible inclusion in the RTP.
     

US-60 (Grand Avenue) - Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) to McDowell Road  

• Schedule: Phase II (2011-2015) of the Regional Transportation Plan. Construction is anticipated to start in early 2011.
• Project Summary: Make proposed improvements to traffic flow and other general improvements.
     

US-60 (Grand Avenue) - Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) to Van Buren Street*

• Schedule: Phase V (2026-2031) of the Regional Transportation Plan.
• Project Summary: Construct grade separations (i.e., underpasses or overpasses) in various locations to improve traffic flow. 
  

  
Regional Transportation Plan Phases

Phase I		FY 2006-2010		Phase III		FY 2016-2020
Phase II		FY 2011-2015		Phase IV		FY 2021-2026
Phase V		FY 2026-2031

* Project pending outcome of the environmental process.

Our Valley Freeway System is part of the 2004 voter-approved Regional Transportation Plan. We are working hard with our transit partners to implement the voters’ vision and are committed to quality, safety, open communication with our neighbors, and minimal inconvenience to the traveling public.