Expansion of southeast Valley freeway could start in a year

MESA — Southeast Valley residents are getting an expanded freeway — two lanes each way — at least temporarily.

Maricopa Association of Governments must first approve permanent plans and funding for State Route 24.

“Rather than wait, we want to be able to provide drivers with a roadway that they’ll be able to use much sooner,” Arizona Department of Transportation spokesman Doug Nintzel told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

ADOT will extend SR-24 from the Loop 202 Santan Freeway southeast of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport between Ellsworth Road and Ironwood Drive.

“That’s a distance of five miles,” Nintzel said. “It’s pretty important in terms of providing a roadway for drivers in that growing area.”

Construction on the freeway, also called the Gateway Freeway, could begin in a year.

Nintzel also said ADOT has set aside more than $200 million for advanced utility work, final design, construction and other costs.

Follow @ktarpetersamore