Rancho Santa Fe Parkway project begins construction in Kingman

KINGMAN — The City of Kingman has taken a significant step in addressing its transportation needs with the groundbreaking of the Rancho Santa Fe Parkway Traffic Interchange on December 2, 2024. The project, managed by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), will enhance connectivity within the region and prepare Kingman for integration with the future Interstate 11 (I-11) corridor.
Kingman Mayor Ken Watkins called the groundbreaking “the result of years of dedication and collaboration from countless community leaders and stakeholders.” He emphasized the project’s importance in enhancing connectivity and creating economic opportunities for the city’s future.
The interchange will link Kingman’s Municipal Airport, Industrial Park, and Interstate 40, providing critical infrastructure to support the area’s growing role as a transportation hub. The $40 million project, awarded to Pulice Construction, Inc. in September, is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026.
The Rancho Santa Fe Parkway Interchange has been designed to align with plans for the I-11 corridor, a proposed interstate intended to connect the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona with the Canadian border. I-11 is expected to improve North American trade and transportation networks by alleviating congestion on existing highways and providing a more direct route for freight and passenger traffic.
The I-11 project has been designated as a high-priority corridor under federal transportation legislation. While the Final Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement was completed in 2021, the project remains in the planning and funding stages. Detailed Tier 2 studies will be required to finalize alignments and construction timelines.
Once constructed, I-11 is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to Kingman by positioning the city as a key node in this expanded transportation network. The Rancho Santa Fe Parkway Interchange will serve as a critical connection to this corridor, enhancing local logistics and attracting new business opportunities.
For Kingman, the interchange represents more than just a road improvement; it is an investment in the city’s future. The project is expected to reduce traffic congestion, improve access to industrial and commercial areas, and stimulate economic growth by facilitating easier movement of goods and people. Local officials and stakeholders have worked for years to secure this project, recognizing its potential to address immediate infrastructure needs and support long-term development.
ADOT and Kingman city officials have underscored the importance of collaboration in bringing the project to fruition. The community’s support has been instrumental in moving the interchange forward, and its integration with broader transportation strategies highlights the city’s proactive approach to growth.
Construction is set to continue over the next two years, with Kingman aiming to solidify its role as a regional transportation hub. The Rancho Santa Fe Parkway Interchange is poised to provide immediate infrastructure benefits while preparing the city for the eventual completion of I-11, ensuring Kingman remains a critical part of the southwestern transportation network.
For updates on the project, visit cityofkingman.gov or i11study.com.
—Jeremy Webb