House Republicans passed HB 2601 on Mar. 11, requiring the Arizona Department of Transportation to request federal segmentation for the Interstate 11 project between Interstate 10 at Casa Grande and Wickenburg as a segment of independent utility. The bill also directs the department to complete environmental reviews and secure any necessary federal or state approvals for that segment, following federal law and Federal Highway Administration guidance. Once federal approval is granted, the department must begin any required Tier 2 environmental and engineering study for construction within three months.
The legislation is part of the House Republican Majority’s transportation agenda aimed at reducing congestion, improving safety, strengthening freight movement, and keeping infrastructure aligned with Arizona’s rapid growth.
“Arizona is growing, freight is increasing, and traffic is not getting any lighter,” said Representative Matt Gress, sponsor of HB 2601. “This bill keeps a major corridor from stalling out in process and delay. House Republicans are working to expand capacity, improve mobility, and make sure Arizona has the highway system needed to support growth across the state.”
House Republicans have supported several major transportation projects across Arizona. These include widening Interstate 10 between Casa Grande and Chandler, expanding State Route 347 in Pinal County, broadening I-10 in the West Valley, and making improvements at the I-17 and Loop 303 interchange.
Interstate 11 is planned as a north-south corridor connecting Phoenix, Tucson, and Las Vegas. Supporters say it will provide long-term benefits for regional connectivity, freight movement, and economic activity.
Carbone, a Republican who was elected to represent Arizona’s 25th House District in 2023 after replacing Michelle Udall according to Ballotpedia, is among those involved in legislative efforts related to transportation.
