A new railroad overpass in Maricopa will open Monday morning. It will help traffic flow along Route 347 and provide a safer alternative to the current crossing. The city of Maricopa has been working on this project for 15 years.

Motorists will be able to drive over the railroad tracks with the new overpass, which will also consist of six lanes instead of the current four. 

Adam Wolfe with the city of Maricopa said the new road will help with less traffic backup.

“If a train’s coming through, you're stuck for a minimum of five minutes, could be up to 10. If a second train comes at the same time, traffic was being stopped for 10 to 20 minutes, and it was really causing a delay and for any cars that were close to the tracks creates a potentially dangerous situation,” Wolfe said.

Right now traffic averages over 31,000 vehicles a day and is projected to increase to 60,000 over the next 20 years. 

EDITOR'S NOTE: The story has been updated to clarify the day the overpass is opening.