MARICOPA, Ariz. (AP) - A new highway overpass over Union Pacific railroad tracks in Maricopa will open Monday morning and the city plans a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ahead of time to celebrate the event.
An 8-10 a.m. celebration Saturday will allow residents and visitors to check out the new State Route 347 overpass that will replace the current at-grade crossing that will close Monday morning.
The current at-grade crossing will close when the new overpass opens at 5 a.m.
The highway is a major traffic route between metro Phoenix and Interstate 8.
Union Pacific currently runs 40 to 60 freight trains per day through Maricopa and the Arizona Department of Transportation says the railroad plans to increase that number to up to 100 trains per day.
