The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $146 million combined federal grant funding award to the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) for the US 60 (Grand Avenue)/35th Avenue/Indian School Road Grade Separation Project. The project will help address the complex issues surrounding the six-legged highway/arterial intersection that also includes two at-grade railroad crossings.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides funds to the United States Department of Transportation under a number of discretionary grant programs to invest in projects of national and regional significance. The MAG region has been awarded $133.9 million under the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highway Projects grants program (INFRA), while an additional $12.7 million was awarded under the National Infrastructure Project Assistance grants program (Mega). The funding will significantly defray the total project cost of $356.6 million.

“Grand Avenue is a crucial component of Phoenix’s transportation network, but the current intersection is dangerous and has frequent delays for cars and trains alike,” said Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. “These improvements will reduce commute times, improve roadway safety, and better facilitate trade and commerce in the fastest growing part of Arizona. These investments are only possible thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and I’m grateful to the City of Phoenix, the Maricopa Association of Governments, and the Arizona Department of Transportation for their partnership in securing this critical funding award.”

Arizona Congressman Ruben Gallego, who sent a letter supporting grant funding to the U.S. Department of Transportation earlier this year, said the project will raise the quality of life in the area.

“Anyone who has been caught at this intersection knows how time-consuming and dangerous it is,” said Rep. Gallego. “I’m incredibly proud to have helped secure this funding that will support the region’s economy, save people time, and get them where they need to go safely.”

The project includes simplifying the existing intersection to standard four-legged intersection by raising 35th Avenue to create a separate elevated intersection with Indian School Road above Grand Avenue, eliminating the two at-grade railroad crossings by constructing new bridges over the BNSF railroad; addressing local circulation needs; installing new, wider ADA-accessible sidewalks; acquiring right of way; accommodating future high-capacity transit; and installing separate bus pull-outs and new bus shelters.

MAG Chair Kevin Hartke, mayor of Chandler, noted that the remaining cost of the project will rely heavily on funding that comes through Proposition 400, a dedicated half-cent sales tax for transportation.

“Once again, voter foresight and investment are helping the region successfully leverage funding opportunities,” said Mayor Hartke. “Thanks to Maricopa County’s dedicated half-cent sales tax for transportation, we were able to bring new federal transportation dollars to our region for an important project that will enhance regional mobility and connectivity.”

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego credited MAG for a thorough and competitive proposal that included a benefit-cost analysis. The analysis demonstrated that the project is of interest to the nation by providing $2.03 in benefits to the public for every dollar spent on construction and maintenance.

“The project has drawn support from several stakeholders, including $5 million in private funding from BNSF Railway, making it shovel-ready in 2026,” said Gallego. “This will create a safer and less confusing corridor in a really important part of our city.”

Arizona Department of Transportation Director Jennifer Toth says the US 60 (Grand Avenue)/35th Avenue/Indian School Road Grade Separation Project removes conflicts between trains, vehicles and pedestrians.

“More than 140,000 vehicles pass through this intersection area each day, creating safety and congestion issues,” said Toth. “Traffic volumes on this corridor have increased nearly 20 percent over the last decade and are projected to increase even more in the future. Congestion and delays in the intersection impact not only vehicle and freight movement, but also affect transit and school bus service and delay emergency responders,” she said.

Along with a reduction in traffic delays and improved rail operations, other benefits of the project include elimination of pedestrian/bicycle conflicts, improvement of travel time reliability, and improvement of traffic signal operations. In addition to the quality of life and safety benefits, these improvements also yield economic benefits through the reduction of the average supply chain cost for freight and rail.