Arizona Senate Passes Bills to Improve State Transport Routes

Legislation aims to address safety concerns and support economic growth across the state.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:12am

A serene, cinematic painting of a deserted Arizona highway at dusk, with the road winding through a rugged desert landscape under a warm, golden sky.Arizona's investment in transportation infrastructure aims to improve safety and support economic growth across the state.San Carlos Today

The Arizona Senate has passed three bills that will provide funding for transportation infrastructure improvements across the state. The bills, sponsored by Sen. Wendy Rogers, R-Flagstaff, allocate a total of $15.1 million from the state's general fund to address safety and mobility issues on key highways and roads, including Route 60, U.S. Route 70, and U.S. Route 66.

Why it matters

Improving Arizona's transportation infrastructure is crucial for supporting the state's continued economic growth and ensuring the safety of drivers and residents, especially in rural and isolated communities. The bills address known pressure points and safety concerns on major highways that impact both commercial and personal travel.

The details

SB 1062 provides $1 million to help with upgrades along Route 60 and Superstition Mountain Drive, including a new left turn lane and other intersection improvements to address safety concerns in the Gold Canyon community. SB 1063 allocates $11.1 million to improve a dangerous 46-mile stretch of U.S. Route 70 between Mile Post 255 and Mile Post 301, based on concerns raised by the San Carlos Apache Tribe about the high number of fatal and injury accidents in the area. SB 1064 provides $3 million to the city of Flagstaff for improvements along U.S. Route 66 between Interstate 40 and Milton Road.

  • The Senate approved all three bills last week, and they have gone to the House for consideration.
  • SB 1062 provides funding for fiscal year 2026-2027.
  • SB 1063 and SB 1064 also provide funding for fiscal year 2026-2027.

The players

Sen. Wendy Rogers

A Republican state senator from Flagstaff who sponsored the three transportation bills.

Terry Rambler

The chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, which sent a letter to state lawmakers highlighting the safety concerns on U.S. Route 70.

Arizona Board of Transportation

The state agency that has already approved the design costs for the improvements to Route 60 and Superstition Mountain Drive.

Arizona Department of Transportation

The state agency that will need to sign an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Flagstaff to help design and construct the improvements along U.S. Route 66.

Sen. Lauren Kuby

The only Democratic state senator who voted in favor of SB 1063 and SB 1064.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These projects address real pressure points on our highways, keep traffic moving, and support the continued growth of communities across Arizona.”

— Sen. Wendy Rogers, State Senator, R-Flagstaff

“This area has seen explosive residential growth and continues to be a regional choke point affecting daily commercial and freight traffic in and out of the Phoenix metro area.”

— Sen. Wendy Rogers, State Senator, R-Flagstaff

“This intersection also affects emergency response and regional traffic surges especially during the 10-week Renaissance Festival which draws over 300,000 visitors.”

— Sen. Wendy Rogers, State Senator, R-Flagstaff

“This may appear as a relatively small number when compared to Maricopa County; yet, for our small, isolated, rural population, this number presents devastating impacts – on average, one working family member of our Tribe often supports 3 generations, up to 10 to 12 people.”

— Terry Rambler, Chairman, San Carlos Apache Tribe

What’s next

The three bills have now moved to the Arizona House of Representatives for consideration after passing the state Senate.

The takeaway

These transportation infrastructure investments demonstrate Arizona's commitment to improving safety, mobility, and economic opportunity across the state, especially in rural and isolated communities that have faced significant safety challenges on key highways and roads.