ADOT – SR 347 UPRR Overpass (DCR & Final Design) | Maricopa, Arizona
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) selected EPS Group to prepare a Design Concept Report (DCR) evaluating a potential grade separation of SR 347 over the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks – a high profile and badly needed project. Forty to 60 freight trains crossed SR 347 daily; and Amtrak service at the adjacent station halted traffic up to 30 minutes. The report recommended a solution to improve access, mobility, and addressed traffic congestion.
EPS Group subsequently developed the project’s Final Design. This MAG region project was jointly funded by the FHWA (via a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant), ADOT and the City of Maricopa. Bridging the tracks necessitated relocating numerous utilities (power, gas, water, telecom), and arterial and local roadways. Regional traffic analyses and unique geometric configurations were developed as responsive alternatives to the complex roadway configurations within Maricopa’s historic downtown.
The project required extensive public outreach efforts to keep stakeholders informed and ensure community support! EPS Group led numerous public meetings of crowds numbering in the hundreds, and conducted multiple on-site visits with impacted business owners to address concerns about access changes due to the addition of raised medians.
EPS Group was originally given 24 months to have the project bid ready; however, the award of the federal TIGER grant only allowed for 15 months to complete the design, or the grant would be lost. Not only did EPS complete a full MAG Value Engineering Analysis, the project plans and specifications during these 15 months, but also coordinated the acquisition of 52 properties and the relocation of numerous utility facilities.
