ADOT seeks public input on updated statewide freight plan

Public comment welcome through Oct. 13

PHOENIX - The Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking input on its State Freight Plan, which identifies future improvements to the state's transportation system that are critical to the movement of goods.

The State Freight Plan helps ensure the state's freight system remains strong by providing an action plan to guide decisions and investments that support a safe, reliable and competitive freight system for moving goods in and through Arizona. The plan will identify transportation facilities and infrastructure that are critical to economic growth and give appropriate priority to investments in these areas, while also addressing other key transportation system goals. It serves as the guiding document for freight-related decision making by providing an overview of historical conditions, forecasting existing and emerging trends, and outlining the state's future priorities.

The draft plan is available for comment through Tuesday, Oct. 13, at azdot.gov/statefreightplan.

Key features of the plan include:

• Comprehensive overview of the status of the state freight and goods movements, state rail status and border crossing improvements
• Forecasts of future demand for the transportation of goods in Arizona through 2050
• Proposals for future freight projects
• Assessments and strategies to reduce bottlenecks

The plan was developed with more than 60 freight industry representatives who were part of a Freight Advisory Committee that advised ADOT in a year-long update process. The study team prioritized transportation needs to draft a list of projects that will address bottlenecks and fulfill plan goals of safety, mobility, competitiveness and stewardship. Approximately $125 million is estimated to be available to Arizona through the National Highway Freight Program for projects slated to improve bottlenecks and other priorities for freight in Arizona.

The State Freight Plan plan is updated every five years, as required by federal law, with the previous version prepared in 2022. For more information about the plan, visit azdot.gov/statefreightplan.