I‑10 Expansion Between Chandler and Casa Grande Moves Forward
Arizona Department of Transportation has begun construction to widen approximately 26 miles of I‑10 between Chandler and Casa Grande, adding lanes and HOV lanes, in a $1 billion project expected to be completed in 2026.
Key Details of the I‑10 Widening Project
The I‑10 project spans from Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) near Chandler through Pinal County to SR 387 near Casa Grande ⟶ widening from two to three lanes each direction and adding HOV lanes near Tolleson en.wikipedia.org. Initially planned for 2025, ADOT accelerated the project in 2023 thanks to a $95 million federal grant, with remaining funding from the state and Maricopa Association of Governments en.wikipedia.org+1azmag.gov+1.
Expected Improvements and Capacity Gains
Once completed in 2026, the corridor will feature:
- Three general-purpose lanes in each direction from Chandler to Casa Grande.
- HOV lanes between Loop 202 and the Loop 101 interchange in Tolleson.
- Numerous interchange and bridge upgrades.
These enhancements aim to ease congestion on one of Arizona’s busiest freight and commuter corridors, improve safety, and support economic activity throughout the region valleymetro.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15azmag.gov+15.
Economic and Mobility Impact
I‑10 is a critical freight route—between Phoenix and Tucson it handles thousands of trucks daily. With Arizona’s population continuing to grow (linking Maricopa and Pinal counties), capacity constraints were projected to escalate. Once complete, the expanded roadway is expected to:
- Reduce rush hour and weekend delays.
- Improve logistic efficiency for agricultural and industrial shipments.
- Enhance safety via reduced backups and fewer accidents.
ADOT reports over $1 billion invested through federal and regional funding reflects a coordinated commitment to manage future growth en.wikipedia.orgconstructiondive.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2phoenix.gov+2.
Construction Impacts and Driver Guidance
Drivers should plan for occasional lane closures, traffic shifts, and intermittent ramp adjustments through late 2026. ADOT advises:
- Allowing 15–20 minutes extra during peak hours.
- Using ADOT’s DriveArizona alert system.
- Exploring alternative routes—such as SR 202 or Loop 101—during major construction phases planetizen.com.
Municipal cooperation is underway with Chandler, Tolleson, and Casa Grande officials to minimize disruptions for local traffic and school commuters.
Sustainability and Regional Planning Tie‑Ins
This expansion aligns with Arizona’s multi-modal transportation strategies, including:
- Phoenix’s new South Phoenix light rail extension, which bolsters public transit options en.wikipedia.orgaxios.com+1arizonadailyfeed.com+1.
- Investments under Proposition 400 and Transportation 2050 funding frameworks phoenix.gov+3azmag.gov+3phoenix.gov+3.
By balancing roadway widenings with transit projects, Arizona aims to offer diverse mobility options and reduce single-occupant vehicle trips.
Project Timeline and Next Phases
- Construction began in early 2025.
- Expected bedrock: Lane expansions and HOV lanes completed late 2026.
- Future recommendations include continued broad corridor improvements, such as managed lanes or further interchange modernization.
ADOT representatives noted the widening project is part of a long-term corridor master plan supporting future capacity projects across Pinal County and beyond .
Why This Matters for Arizona
As the Phoenix–Tucson megapolitan region grows, transportation infrastructure must evolve. The I‑10 widening is one of the largest highway upgrades in recent state history, designed to accommodate population growth, freight demands, and economic development.
With travel between Chandler and Casa Grande anticipated to increase by 15–20% by 2030, the project serves both current needs and future-proofing objectives. Improved roadway efficiency also reduces emissions and enhances safety—critical factors for statewide transportation sustainability.
Key Takeaways
- 26-mile widening: Chandler to Casa Grande with lane and HOV additions.
- $1 billion investment, including $95 million federal grant.
- Completion targeted late 2026.
- Supports freight, commuter, and long-distance traffic on I‑10.
- Part of broader strategy integrating highways and public transit.
Arizona is embarking on a transformative upgrade of I‑10, showcasing the state’s proactive transportation planning. Residents and businesses can expect smoother, safer travel—while ADOT gains experience in managing large-scale infrastructure with regional impact.