Arizona Started Third Phase of I-10 Expansion

Work has begun on an 11-mile stretch of Interstate 10 as part of the $1 billion Wild Horse Pass Corridor Project.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Construction

Isometric editorial illustration of a multi-lane highway construction project set in a desert environment with clean, geometric asphalt paths. — The Arizona Department of Transportation has launched the $1 billion third phase of the Wild Horse Pass Corridor Project on Interstate 10. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you believe current road expansion projects effectively reduce traffic congestion in your area?

The Arizona Department of Transportation has launched the third phase of the Wild Horse Pass Corridor Project on Interstate 10. This expansion aims to reduce traffic congestion across a critical commuter route.

Why it matters

The project is designed to improve traffic flow and safety on a major regional artery connecting Phoenix and Casa Grande. These infrastructure upgrades are essential to accommodating growing commuter needs in the area.

The third phase focuses on an 11-mile stretch of Interstate 10 between Loop 202 and the Gila River. This segment is part of the larger $1 billion Wild Horse Pass Corridor Project that covers 26 miles in total.

The players

Arizona Department of Transportation

This state agency is responsible for planning, building, and maintaining the transportation infrastructure throughout Arizona.

The details

Crews are adding a third lane in both directions, extending an HOV lane to Riggs Road, and building a new interchange at Koli Road. The project also includes reconstructing several existing interchanges and installing modern safety systems like cameras and wrong-way detection.

Construction on the Wild Horse Pass Corridor Project began in May 2024.
The second phase of the project started in January 2026.
The third phase officially began in October 2026.
Bridge work is scheduled for completion in November 2026.
The fourth segment of construction is anticipated to begin in 2027.

Market Landscape

The expansion follows the pattern set by the Federal Highway Administration's Interstate Maintenance Program to modernize aging transit corridors. This initiative reflects a broader regional strategy to increase capacity on critical interstates to support economic growth.

Commuters should anticipate ongoing road work and potential traffic delays in the construction zones during the multi-year expansion process. Drivers will eventually benefit from added lanes, safer interchange designs, and improved wrong-way detection technology.

The takeaway

The multi-year project seeks to improve long-term travel reliability for Arizona residents through significant infrastructure investment. Motorists can prepare for the upcoming phases by monitoring official transit updates as construction schedules evolve through 2029.