A public hearing on the future of Loop 303 between Interstate 10 and U.S. 60 will be at Willow Canyon High School in Surprise later this month.

The hearing is hosted by the Arizona Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration.

The hearing will give the public the opportunity to provide input on the recommended expansion of Loop 303, as a six-lane freeway between I-10 and U.S. 60 (Grand Avenue).

The improvement project is funded under the Maricopa County Association of Governments' Regional Transportation Plan approved by voters in 2004.

The public hearing will be from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Willow Canyon High School cafeteria, 17901 W. Lundberg St. in Surprise.

Another hearing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 21 in the cafeteria of Millennium High School, 14802 W. Wigwam Blvd. in Goodyear.

The presentation will include an overview of the proposed project, and project representatives will be available to discuss the improvements and any associated impact. Court reporters will document the proceedings and public comments.

ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration are seeking review and comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment that evaluates the recommended expansion of Loop 303. Federal environmental clearance of the project is required before final design plans for the freeway can proceed.

Comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment will be accepted at the meetings. They can also be sent by mail to: Brock Barnhart, ADOT Northwest Community Outreach Team, 1146 N. Mesa Drive, Suite 102-298, Mesa, AZ 85201. Comments can be faxed to 480-890-0013 or sent via e-mail to ProjectUpdate@Lewin-Associates.com. To be included in the public record, comments should be received no later than Nov. 7.

Copies of the Draft Environmental Assessment are available at several locations throughout the West Valley until the conclusion of the comment period Nov. 7. A list of the locations, as well as a copy of the documents, is available at www.adotenvironmental.com.

For information about the hearings or recommended improvements to Loop 303, or to request special meeting accommodations for those with disabilities, call 480-890-3055 or e-mail ProjectUpdate@Lewin-Associates.com. For technical information about the project, contact project manager Steve Beasley at 602-712-7645.

For Spanish translation assistance at the meetings, call 480-890-3647.