The Valley’s freeway system connects communities to the north and south, with those in the east and west and all points in between.

The regional freeway system has been expanding to meet the growing demands, and the region has a plan to continue to improve and expand this vital component of the transportation system.

The tremendous demand it accommodates every day makes it necessary to ensure freeway safety, reliability, and efficiency.

Over the next 20 years, almost 350 miles of new and improved freeways will be added to the current freeway system in the Phoenix metro region.

Improvements to existing freeways will include more lanes, more interchanges with arterials, high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, and overall freeway maintenance (such as rubberized asphalt to reduce noise). Technology and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) play a key role in helping the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) manage this important regional freeway network.

Since the mid 1990s, ITS has been a key part of the regional freeway system. ADOT’s Freeway Management System includes technologies and systems that help to improve the flow of traffic on Valley freeways, provide information to motorists about crashes or construction, and help ADOT and other agencies better respond to traffic incidents.
You can see ITS working on freeways every day.

Some of the technologies that you see on freeways in the metro region include:

• Ramp Meters – These signals at freeway entrances regulate the timing of vehicles merging on to freeways. Ramp meters operate during the morning and afternoon commute times. Some entrance ramps have one ramp meter signal, others have two, one for each lane, that allow alternating vehicles to enter the ramp.
  Regulating the flow of traffic entering the freeways during peak traffic hours means we can accommodate more vehicles per hour on the freeways, help traffic move at a steadier speed, shorten commute times, and provide a higher degree of safety.
• Cameras – Video images from cameras provide a real-time view of traffic on Valley freeways. These are the same camera images you often see during TV traffic reports. In fact, you can view snapshots of freeway images at www.az511.com. ADOT monitors these cameras from the ADOT Traffic Operations Center to see how traffic is moving on freeways and identify trouble spots. If an accident happens on the freeway, ADOT operators can assess the scene and provide information to public safety and emergency crews.
• Dynamic Message Signs – These electronic overhead signs can display timely and important traffic information such as incidents, upcoming construction and closures, restrictions on freeway lanes, or even
  special event venue traffic guidance. ADOT also displays AMBER Alert information on the electronic signs. There are 65 signs in the metro area, with more planned. Technology is just one tool to help maximize our region’s freeway network. HOV lanes, also known as ‘carpool lanes’, are specially designated freeway lanes for use by those vehicles with two or more occupants, buses, and motorcycles. HOV lanes carry more passengers in fewer vehicles than general purpose lanes and help to reduce emissions. HOV lanes are designated by a diamond marking and signage, and are in effect during the morning and late afternoon rush hours.
  At other times, such as mid-day, late evening and weekends, anyone can use the HOV lanes. HOV restrictions apply on public holidays that occur on weekdays. If you have an alternative fuel vehicle with a special plate from
  the Department of Motor Vehicles, you can use the HOV lanes any time. There is a $200 fine for violating the time or occupant requirements for HOV lanes.

Freeway Service Patrol assists motorists on Phoenix metropolitan highways. Services include helping with a flat tire, jumpstarting car batteries, removing road hazards, or calling for a towtruck.

The Freeway Service Patrol also assists officers during closures or crashes. Arizona law allows the motorist to be free of liability in moving the vehicle from freeway travel lanes to a safer place on the shoulder in the event of a minor
accident. This helps to keep the freeway traffic moving and reduces the likelihood of secondary accidents.

Building new roads is expensive, and ITS, HOV lanes and other tools help to make better use of the freeways we have. However, expanding both the coverage and capacity of the regional freeway system is necessary for a rapidly growing region.

ADOT has been able to accelerate the construction of freeways to meet the demands of the population growth, and more freeways are planned for the next several years.

Proposition 400, which was approved by Maricopa County voters in November 2004, extends the ½ cent sales tax that was enacted in 1985 to build the regional freeway system. More than half of the estimated $8 billion over the next 20 years will be designated for new freeways in the region, and for maintaining and improving existing freeways.

You can call 5-1-1 or log on to www.az511.com for current information about freeway conditions, roadway closures, and major incidents.

If it’s an emergency, always dial 9-1-1. For other questions or issues, contact:

• ADOT: 602.712.7355
• Arizona Dept. of Public Safety: 602.223.2000