Interstate 11 ‘one step closer’ to reality thanks to infrastructure funding

Sen. Mark Kelly says money allocated for improving a section of US 93 in Wickenburg could eventually help to connect Phoenix and Las Vegas.

WICKENBURG, Ariz. — New funding for an infrastructure project in Wickenburg could potentially help pave the way for the creation of the proposed Interstate 11 route.

Arizona senators Kyrsten Sinema and Mark Kelly announced Monday that $26 million from an infrastructure bill has been allocated to the Town of Wickenburg for converting four miles of US 93 from a two-lane highway to four lanes.

The improvements to US 93 also include creating a new two-lane frontage road and a roundabout at the US 93 and the SR-89 intersection.

“This investment will make a real difference for Wickenburg and take us one step closer to connecting Phoenix and Las Vegas via Interstate 11,” Kelly said in a statement. “These improvements will help reduce traffic, create jobs, and boost economic opportunities for years to come. Thanks to the bipartisan infrastructure law, we’re taking meaningful steps to ensure Arizona’s infrastructure meets the demands of our growing communities.” 

A section of the I-11 corridor identified in 2021 would begin on US 93 in Wickenburg before moving south down to Buckeye, then move west through Pinal County and then eventually travel south down to Tucson and Nogales. When initially proposed, the project was envisioned as an alternative pathway between Las Vegas and the Valley.

Though several elected officials have expressed support and enthusiasm for the I-11 project over the years, not everyone in Arizona has been thrilled about the construction of another freeway.

Environmental groups have previously filed a lawsuit in an effort to halt the I-11 project and rural residents have objected to having the freeway built in their communities. …