Regional Boards > Mountain West

Arizona Studies, Future Routes?

(1/5) > >>

Rover_0:
I've noticed this document that's about 2 years old, and it mentions the studies and consideration to extend Interstate 17 north to Page, and also considers the possibility of Interstate 66 through northern Arizona/southern Utah.  While it appears that this is just a study (and it shows several meetings among several county governments thoughout the state), it's still interesting that the extension of Interstate 17 and "Interstate 66" are mentioned here in a community of government document as of late 2007.  What are your thoughts?

brad2971:
Well, considering that Arizona continues to be a national leader in population growth (despite the current recession blip), and considering that Utah has the nation's best bond rating, it's easy to see both states bond out to fund an extension of I-17 up to I-70. The increase in tourist traffic alone could help justify it, but an even better reason would be to help funnel truck traffic off I-15 and down through AZ to the Mexico border @Nogales.

This way, one can help avoid the unnecessary duplication of I-11 on the path of US93, and can help avoid any four-laning of roads further east of I-15 from Canada (namely, roads like the TR Expressway, Heartland Expressway, Ports-to-Plains).

Stephane Dumas:
As for Nogales, maybe they could build a freeway bypass who'll link more directly to MX-15, Does AZ-189 could be upgraded without too much difficulties as a freeway?

Revive 755:
* How big is the "US 60 reroute" listed on Page 7/118?  A small shift around Phoenix, or a new terrain corridor?

* Page 9/118 and 10/118:  Seems to be possible interest in at least an expressway grade spur from I-17 at AZ 69 to I-40 following AZ 89.

* Page 11/118:  I'm see Flagstaff having visions of imitating Portland, OR.  The I-17 bypass though sounds interesting.

Going to be very interesting to see where this study goes/has gone.


--- Quote from: brad2971 ---This way, one can help avoid the unnecessary duplication of I-11 on the path of US93, and can help avoid any four-laning of roads further east of I-15 from Canada (namely, roads like the TR Expressway, Heartland Expressway, Ports-to-Plains).

--- End quote ---

I don't think Arizona can really stop those routes from being developed if they have enough potential.

Rover_0:
Although, I've heard several options for a northern extension of I-17, five of which are listed here:

1.)  Extend I-17 roughly up US-89 to I-70, and let I-70 and I-15 connect the rest of the way to Salt Lake,

2.)  Extend I-17 north to Page, then beeline west to I-15 near St. George,

3.)  Extend I-17 north on US-89 to UT-20, then UT-20 over to I-15,

4.)  Extend I-17 north on US-89 all the way to Gunnison (with I-70 duplex), then UT-28 to I-15 at Nephi, or

5.)  Extend I-17 north on US-89 to US-160, then US-160 to US-191 and to I-70; also could include upgrade of US-6/191 to Price and through Spanish Fork Canyon to I-15 near Spanish Fork.

Personally, options #2 and #3 seem most reasonable to me, as they should cut construction costs (less road to be built); and Option #2 would solve, to some extent, the need for an east-west corridor through northern Arizona/southern Utah.  However, I do think that there is a good chance that I-66 could initially be built as a 60-to-70-mile spur off of I-15 towards Page that ends near Fredonia (as inferred to here, if you scroll to the right paragraph), then if and when the rest of the national route is built, just connect it into this portion of the route.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page