The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) has initiated a “Scoping Study” to evaluate options for improving travel on State Route 347 between Maricopa and the Valley and is asking the public to comment on the issue.

According to a MAG statement, “SR 347 is the most direct option for people traveling between the city of Maricopa and the Phoenix metro area. The corridor runs from Interstate 10 to Peters and Nall Road. It is the primary business route through the city of Maricopa and provides access to the Wild Horse Pass development area and the Ak-Chin Community entertainment district.”

The scoping study seeks to identify ways to improve travel along the SR 347 corridor and “provide direction and build stakeholder consensus regarding timely improvement of SR 347 between I-10 and Peters and Nall Road.” MAG said the plan is the first step toward more detailed studies that would then allow for construction of recommended improvements.

The goal of the scoping study is to develop a plan that would achieve the following goals:

• Ensure the best possible travel times.
• Improve safety.
• Consider environmental impacts.
• Prepare for future growth.
• Make it easier for bicycles and pedestrians to use the corridor.
• Support potential future bus or other transit options.
• Respect interests of landowners and other stakeholders.
• Take into consideration existing and future land use near SR-347.

MAG is inviting the public to participate in the review of the draft report and associated appendices and said public comments will be used to help shape the corridor improvements and to complete the Planning and Environmental Study. Citizens may provide comments through Jan. 7, 2022.

Comments on the draft report can be provided to MAG by email at to [email protected]; by phone at 602-254-6300; or by US Mail, Attn: SR 347 Scoping Study, 302 N. 1st Ave., Suite 200, Phoenix, Arizona 85003.