Final Design Phase of Hunt Hwy Expansion to be completed by March 2024

The Hunt Highway Widening Project - Phase 5 is the final phase of the project aimed at widening the Hunt Highway corridor from the Ellsworth Road intersection to the Town of Florence limits. The project is being implemented by Pinal County, and it will result in a reconstructed 5-lane roadway facility and a new permanent traffic signal at the Arizona Farms Road intersection.

According to the latest project update as of March 2023, additional design work is set to begin to extend the 5-lane facility down to Franklin Road alignment. This work will be done in partnership with the Town of Florence. Furthermore, the update indicates that the coordination and widening of the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) crossing will begin in September 2023, at the 60% design stage. The design of the project is expected to be completed by March 28, 2024.

The projected timeline for the project indicated that 95% of the design work was completed by January 10, 2021. Land acquisition from State Land and Gila River Indian Community was completed by June 29, 2022. Additional design work to extend the project south to Franklin Road is set to begin in April 2023, and the coordination and widening of the UPRR crossing will start in September 2023. 

This phase is a critical infrastructure project that will enhance the capacity of the Hunt Highway corridor, reduce congestion, and improve safety for motorists. The reconstructed 5-lane roadway facility and the new permanent traffic signal at the Arizona Farms Road intersection will improve traffic flow and reduce accidents. The project's successful implementation will improve safety for motorists, reduce congestion, and promote economic growth in the San Tan Valley Magic Ranch Communities and the wider Pinal County region.