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Committee advances bill to return I‑10 widening to earlier construction schedule
Summary
House Bill 2192, amended in committee, would appropriate state funds to restart the I‑10 widening project (SR‑85 to Citrus Road) earlier than the current plan. Sponsors and West Valley officials said the project is shovel-ready and that delay increases costs and congestion for commuters and commercial traffic.
The House Appropriations Committee on Jan. 29 voted to recommend House Bill 2192, as amended, which appropriates state general-fund dollars to accelerate the Interstate 10 widening project between State Route 85 and Citrus Road and directs ADOT to use construction-manager-at-risk or design‑build procurement methods to expedite work.
Sponsor Rep. Jeff Livingston said he had deferred this project in last year’s budget to help balance the state budget but is now seeking to restore funding to move the project forward sooner. After an amendment the committee adopted, the bill appropriates $40 million in FY2026 and additional amounts in later years to resume design and construction activity; committee discussion noted inflation-driven cost increases for highway projects.
City and regional officials testified in favor. Jack Lunsford and John Raeder of the city of Buckeye said the corridor carries heavy commuter and commercial traffic and that the project is shovel-ready: the design phase is nearing completion and construction could be bid this fall if funding is available. Rep. Michael Carbone and other committee members emphasized traffic safety, commercial mobility and the regional economic importance of the corridor.
By roll call, the committee recommended HB2192 as amended for passage (tally: 16 yes, 0 no, 1 not voting). The bill moves next in the legislative process and will be considered in the House and during budget negotiations.
