163RD/HWY60/LOOP303

Something has to give. In the past three months, I have been involved in two accidents in the area of 163rd Avenue, US 60 (Grand Avenue), and Loop 303—neither of which I caused. Sadly, my experience is no longer unusual. There are now daily accidents in this corridor, and the situation continues to deteriorate.

On social media, opinions vary. Some blame inattentive driving or speeding. Others point to a lack of police presence. While those factors may contribute, I believe the real issue is far more fundamental: too many cars forced into a space with inadequate infrastructure.

The City of Surprise has done what it can. The City’s responsibility in this area extends primarily to 163rd Avenue, and city leaders have taken that responsibility seriously. This location is uniquely complicated because multiple jurisdictions converge within a very small geographic area. Responsibility is shared among city, state, and federal governments—and yes, there’s another critical stakeholder that does not always play well with others: BNSF Railway.

Years ago, when Loop 303 was constructed, BNSF did not cooperate with the State of Arizona, forcing the state to alter its plans. Planning and coordinating a major transportation project with this many stakeholders is understandably complex and time-consuming. But time is up.

Residents have been sounding the alarm for years about rapid growth without corresponding infrastructure improvements. One person who has consistently listened and acted is Surprise City Councilman Nick Haney. He has been responsive, transparent, and diligent about keeping the public informed while pushing other entities to understand just how serious the needs are in this corridor.

This area is among the fastest-growing parts of Maricopa County. The danger here affects nearly everyone in Surprise—even those who don’t drive through this intersection daily. Insurance rates are based on risk, and the risk of accidents in Surprise is now higher than in many other parts of the county. Simply living here can mean higher car insurance premiums, whether you like it or not.

What’s most alarming is the timeline. Major improvements are currently scheduled to begin in 2028. By then, thousands of new homes will be completed, adding thousands more vehicles to already overburdened roads. Waiting until 2028 is not just unrealistic—it’s unsafe.

We need action now, not years from now. Our state legislators, U.S. Senators, and Members of Congress must hear clearly that the current timetable is unacceptable. Lives are at stake.

I encourage every resident to speak up—call, write, and make your voice heard. The easiest first step is to sign the petition and share it with others who care about safety in our community.

Safety must be our top priority.

Anyone who regularly travels through 163rd Avenue, U.S. Highway 60 (Grand Avenue), and Loop 303 knows the reality: this interchange has become one of the most dangerous and congested corridors in the West Valley.

According to Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), major long-term improvements to this area are not scheduled to begin until 2028, with full completion projected around 2033. For residents who drive this corridor daily, that timeline feels not just unrealistic—but unsafe.

Daily Accidents, Tragic Loss of Life

It is no longer unusual to see major accidents occurring daily, sometimes for weeks on end. Traffic backs up for miles, emergency vehicles struggle to navigate congestion, and families are left waiting, wondering if their loved ones will make it home safely.

Tragically, numerous fatalities have already occurred in and around this interchange. These are not statistics on a spreadsheet—they are lives lost, families forever changed, and a community asking how much longer this can continue before meaningful action is taken.

Fastest-Growing Area, Slowest Response

This part of Surprise sits in the fastest-growing area of Maricopa County. New housing developments, expanding neighborhoods, and increased commercial activity have dramatically increased traffic volumes. Infrastructure that may have once been adequate simply no longer is.

Growth was predictable. The danger was foreseeable. Yet the timeline for improvements has not kept pace with reality on the ground.

City of Surprise Has Done Its Part

The City of Surprise Mayor and City Council have been clear: the City has done everything within its authority to advocate for improvements, conduct studies, and elevate concerns. At this point, local government alone cannot move the needle further.

That is why city leadership has asked residents to help—specifically by reaching out to federally elected officials and members of the Arizona State Legislature. Only state and federal pressure can accelerate funding decisions and move this project to the front of the line.

A Call for Urgent Action

Waiting until 2028 to start—and 2033 to finish—is simply not acceptable when lives are at stake today. Infrastructure investment must reflect current conditions, not outdated timelines.

Residents are being asked to speak up, write letters, sign petitions, and demand accountability. The goal is simple and urgent: move the start date up, save lives, and make this corridor safer now—not a decade from now.

Surprise is growing. Maricopa COunty is growing. Our Transportation infrastructure must grow with it before more tragedy forces action that should have come sooner.