Maricopa’s John Wayne Parkway overpass began taking shape after Arizona Department of Transportation invited residents in July 2012 to review plans for a crossing aimed at reducing congestion and improving safety at one of the city’s busiest intersections, according to InMaricopa.
ADOT approved funding in 2014, and demolition started in March 2018 as homes and businesses were removed to make way for the project. That included the former Copa Center and Spoons diner.
In January 2019, cranes lifted the first 82-foot steel girder into place during an overnight operation, creating the framework for what became Maricopa’s first railroad overpass. The bridge now carries State Route 347 traffic over the Union Pacific Railroad and Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway.
By May 2019, city leaders were touring the nearly completed structure, and two months later residents were able to walk, bike and scoot across it before it officially opened to traffic. Last month, the city added programmable LED lighting beneath the bridge, giving the underpass a new colorful look while honoring Maricopa’s railroad heritage.
