Transportation
Taming Arizona’s Wild Horse Pass Corridor
$1-billion project addresses safety, congestion on Phoenix-Tucson corridor
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The final four-lane corridor of I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson is on its way to being upgraded to resolve longstanding congestion and safety issues.
Known as the Wild Horse Pass Corridor, the 26-mile section is located in the Gila River Indian Community, running from the Loop 202 Santan/South Mountain Freeway in Phoenix to just north of Casa Grande. For the corridor’s 12-mile northern segment, the Arizona Dept. of Transportation chose the design-build team of Coffman Specialties and Fisher Sand & Gravel, with lead designer Stantec Consulting Services.
With new travel and HOV lanes, the nearly four-year, $410-million project includes replacing the entire stretch of existing asphalt with new concrete pavement, providing a 30-year lifespan at nearly the same cost as new asphalt, according to Stantec.
The first project in ADOT’s $1-billion program will wrap up this summer with replacement of two bridges spanning the Gila River. Under construction by Pulice Construction since May 2024, the $71.2-million structures include deeper foundations and higher elevations for a more resilient river crossing, the agency says.
$209.1B
The U.S. transportation construction
market is expected to grow nearly 3%
to a record $209.1 billion in 2026
Source: American Road & Transportation Builders Association
Earlier this year, FNF Construction began upgrading a 10-mile segment on the southernmost section. Designed by Point Engineers and Kimley-Horn, the project is expected to complete in two years. ADOT has not selected design and construction teams for the final three-mile segment between the Gila River and Gas Line Road, scheduled to get underway later this year.
HDR is serving as program manager and general engineering consultant for the entire corridor upgrade program, which is scheduled for completion in 2029.
