ADOT selects final North-South Corridor route in Pinal County

Following several years of study, technical analysis and input from communities and stakeholders, the Arizona Department of Transportation has selected a final 55-mile North-South Corridor through Pinal County. The Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Record of Decision (ROD), which was released today, identifies the selected corridor, which stretches from the U.S. 60 in Apache Junction to Interstate 10 in Eloy in Pinal County. The study also incorporates a proposed extension of State Route 24 from Ironwood Drive to the North-South Corridor.

The Final Tier 1 EIS is available on the ADOT website and at repository locations throughout the study area. Because the Record of Decision is the final decision-making document for the Tier 1 study, there is no formal comment period for the Final Tier 1 EIS and ROD.

A continuous, access-controlled north-to-south transportation corridor would: • Improve access to future activity centers • Improve regional mobility • Improve north-to-south connectivity • Integrate the region’s transportation network • Address existing and future population and employment growth • Provide an alternative to avoid congestion on I-10 The Final Tier 1 EIS, conducted in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), incorporates changes based on comments received on the Draft Tier 1 EIS, as well as updated analyses based on new information. The Draft Tier 1 EIS was published on Sept. 6, 2019 and made available for review and comment from Sept. 6 through Oct. 29, 2019, with public hearings held in October 2019. The Draft Tier 1 EIS evaluated the potential short- and long-term impacts associated with a range of Corridor Alternatives, including the No-Build Alternative, and recommended a Preferred Corridor Alternative. The Corridor Alternatives were developed based on input from the public; coordination with local, regional, state and federal agencies and tribes; and findings from previously completed studies. The identification of the Preferred Corridor Alternative in the Draft Tier 1 EIS was based on how well it met the purpose and need while reducing the potential for adverse impacts.

How to View the Final Tier 1 EIS/ROD
The public is invited to view the Final Tier 1 EIS/ROD by visiting the study website at azdot.gov/northsouthstudy. Hard copies are also available during normal business hours at the following repository locations:

• Eloy Santa Cruz Library, 1000 N. Main St., Eloy, AZ 85131   520.466.3814

• Coolidge Public Library, 160 W. Central Ave., Coolidge, AZ 85128   520.723.6030

• Florence Community Library, 778 N. Main St., Florence, AZ 85132   520.868.7500

• Apache Junction Public Library, 1177 N. Idaho Rd., Apache Junction, AZ 85119   480.474.8558

• Queen Creek Library, 21802 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85142   602.652.3000

What is Next for the North-South Corridor?
Subsequent Tier 2 environmental and engineering studies would need to be conducted as part of the NEPA process to further refine the selected 1,500-foot North-South Corridor to identify a recommended 400-foot freeway alignment and identify planned interchange locations and other project elements. The Final Tier 1 EIS includes a phased implementation plan with preliminary recommendations for how the North-South Corridor could move forward into Tier 2 studies. The phased implementation plan includes smaller segments of the selected corridor alternative that may advance as separate, independent projects. These studies, which are not yet fully funded, would include additional analysis and more opportunities for public review and comment.

ADOT is considering all funding options to move the North-South Corridor through the Tier 2 study process and eventually to construction.

More Information
For more information about the North-South Corridor Study or to view the project fact sheet, please visit azdot.gov/northsouthstudy.

Connect with Us
General comments or questions about the study can be submitted to ADOT through the following methods:
• Online: www.azdot.gov/northsouthstudy 
• Email: northsouth@azdot.gov
• Phone: 1.855.712.8530
• Mail: c/o ADOT Communications – North-South Study,
1655 W. Jackson St., Mail Drop 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007

The environmental review, consultation, and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for this project are being, or have been, carried out by ADOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated April 16, 2019, and executed by FHWA and ADOT.

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other nondiscrimination laws and authorities, ADOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Persons who require a reasonable accommodation based on language or disability should contact Gaby Kemp, ADOT Community Relations, at 480.215.7178 or gkemp@azdot.gov. Requests should be made as early as possible to ensure the State has an opportunity to address the accommodation.

De acuerdo con El Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 y la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA por sus siglas en inglés), el Departamento de Transporte de Arizona (ADOT por sus siglas en inglés) no discrimina por raza, color, nacionalidad, o discapacidad. Personas que requieren asistencia (dentro de lo razonable) ya sea por el idioma o por discapacidad deben ponerse en contacto con la Gaby Kemp al 480.215.7178 o gkemp@azdot.gov. Las solicitudes deben hacerse lo más pronto posible para asegurar que el equipo encargado del proyecto tenga la oportunidad de hacer los arreglos necesarios.