Peoria to Expand El Mirage Road Starting in 2028
The city will widen two miles of roadway between Jomax Road and Loop 303 to accommodate regional growth.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Safety
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The City of Peoria plans to transform a two-mile stretch of dirt road along El Mirage Road into a paved corridor by 2028. This multi-year expansion project aims to improve local transit options for residents in the rapidly growing northwest area.
Why it matters
Rapid population growth in northwest Surprise has significantly strained transportation capacity. Officials believe the project will alleviate high traffic congestion that has recently doubled average commute times for local residents.
The project spans two miles between Jomax Road and Loop 303 and will feature two travel lanes in each direction. Construction is expected to span 18 months, with new bridges required over the McMicken Dam Outlet Channel and Beardsley Canal.
The players
City of Peoria
The local municipal government responsible for urban planning and infrastructure development in the city.
Arizona Department of Transportation
The state agency responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of Arizona's highway and transit systems.
The details
The city is partnering with the Arizona Department of Transportation to install new bicycle paths, sidewalks, and a traffic signal at the intersection of Happy Valley and El Mirage roads. These upgrades are designed to replace the current unpaved road surface with a modern thoroughfare.
Timeline
Wednesday, October 21, 2026: Stakeholders held a community meeting in Peoria.
2028: Construction is scheduled to begin on the road expansion.
2028-2030: Construction is expected to continue for 18 months.
Seasonal Patterns
This expansion follows the pattern set by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by prioritizing the modernization of aging regional transit corridors. The project reflects the long-term trend of municipalities upgrading dirt roads to accommodate shifting population centers.
Residents should anticipate long-term traffic diversions along El Mirage Road once construction begins in 2028. Travelers currently using Happy Valley Road are advised to monitor the city website for updates on lane closures and temporary transit routes.
The takeaway
Expanding this corridor is a necessary step to address the increased travel times caused by regional population density. Local drivers can expect significant improvements to their daily commute efficiency once the new lanes and traffic signals are fully operational.
What happens next
Construction on the two-mile stretch of El Mirage Road is slated to begin in 2028, with an 18-month timeline for completion.
Further reading
For updates on regional transit projects, visit Safety.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc15 Arizona.
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