The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) announced that several major infrastructure projects are scheduled for Northern Arizona in 2026, with a focus on road safety and improved traffic flow.
One key development is the completion of an Interstate 17 wildlife overpass south of Flagstaff. The overpass, located near Willard Springs Road about 12 miles from Flagstaff, is intended to reduce vehicle collisions involving animals such as elk and deer. Construction will resume this spring after a winter break, with work including the installation of new wildlife fencing along eight miles of I-17 and the addition of soil and native vegetation on the overpass structure. This $15.8 million project is being carried out in partnership with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and is expected to be finished by fall 2026. More information can be found at azdot.gov/Wildlife.
Another significant project set for midyear start is the widening of State Route 260 between Payson and the Mogollon Rim. The $109 million Lion Springs widening project covers a four-mile stretch east of Payson (mileposts 256-260), converting it from two lanes to four lanes. Wildlife crossings will also be included in this segment, which marks the last section to be expanded along this corridor. Completion is planned for 2029.
In Kingman, construction continues on a new interchange connecting Interstate 40 and US 93, aimed at easing traffic congestion where Beale Street intersects I-40. The $106 million interchange project has passed its halfway point and should open in 2027. Details are available at azdot.gov/WestKingmanTI.
Additionally, ADOT expects to complete a new I-40 interchange at Rancho Santa Fe Parkway by mid-2026. This $44 million project will improve access to Kingman Airport and support growth in eastern Kingman (azdot.gov/I-40RanchoSantaFePkwayTI).
On US 93 north of Wikieup, a four-mile widening project at Cane Springs is scheduled for completion next year. The $80.6 million effort will create a divided highway between mileposts 106-110 (azdot.gov/us93canesprings). Since 1999, ADOT has completed twenty projects modernizing US 93 between Wickenburg and I-40 as part of its long-term plan for a continuous four-lane divided highway between Wickenburg and Nevada.
Further upgrades on US 93 are included in ADOT’s Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program for fiscal years 2026–2030: sections northwest of Wickenburg (mileposts 190–194.6) are slated for expansion in fiscal year 2026; Big Jim Wash area (mileposts 161.7–166.2) follows in fiscal year 2027; passing lanes will also be added between mileposts 171.5–173 and 175.5–177 starting next year.
Other regional improvements include resurfacing nearly four miles of State Route 87 through Payson—covering Green Valley Parkway to Crackerjack Road—and upgrading stormwater drainage, signage, and traffic lights as part of a two-year, $19.8 million initiative begun in 2025 (azdot.gov/PaysonImprovements).
A bridge replacement project on US Route 60 east of Superior continues into next year as well, targeting both Queen Creek Bridge and Waterfall Canyon Bridge between mileposts 227 and 229.5 in Pinal County (azdot.gov/US60QueenCreekBridgeProject).
For updates or details on these or other statewide improvement efforts by ADOT, visit azdot.gov/projects.
