Claire M Roney

The Republic | azcentral.com

The trip between Phoenix and Tucson could get quicker and safer if the Arizona Department of Transportation receives a $54 million federal grant to assist with key projects that would bring new technology to Arizona highways.

The anticipated award through a program known as FASTLANE would be used to assist three projects on Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson:

Realigning and widening four miles in the Picacho area to three lanes in each direction, and reconstructing the interchange with State Route 87.

Widening four miles between Interstate 8 and Earley Road to three lanes in each direction, and upgrading ramps at Jimmie Kerr Boulevard near Casa Grande.

Creating technology enhancements to improve traffic management and safety, including remote sensors to provide early warnings of approaching dust.

The projects would cost $157.5 million, of which ADOT would provide $103.5 million, according to an agency statement.

Members of Arizona's congressional delegation said that the U.S. Department of Transportation recommended awarding ADOT the FASTLANE grant, according to an ADOT statement.

FASTLANE is a federal grant established by the 2015 FAST Act, a program that made $800 million in federal funds available to state departments of transportation. It stands for Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Achievement of National Efficiencies.

The formal notification of a FASTLANE grant is expected after a 60-day congressional review period, according to an ADOT statement.

The U.S. Department of Transportation evaluated 212 applications from states requesting a total of $9.8 billion for various projects, an amount that was more than 10 times the available funding, the ADOT statement said.

Funds from Gov. Doug Ducey's 2017 signed budget — $30 million toward widening projects on I-10 — will be used as a part of ADOT's matching funds, according to the agency.

“As one of Arizona’s Key Commerce Corridors, I-10 is an important route for travelers, commerce and international trade. This combination of state and federal funding will be a tremendous help to modernizing the highway,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said in a statement.

About 120,000 vehicles, 30 percent of which are trucks, use I-10 each day, Halikowski said.