Traffic Safety Concerns Spark Urgent Road Improvement Talks

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical infrastructure concerns regarding the McCartney Ranch area and its connection to the I-10 freeway. The dialogue centered on the current traffic conditions, safety issues, and potential improvements to the roadways and bridges in the vicinity.

Key points of discussion included the need for widening the bridge over I-10, which is currently under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT). The traffic engineer clarified that while the bridge is federally controlled and administered by ADOT, there are no immediate plans for expansion due to funding constraints. The engineer noted that any future improvements would require funding through ADOT, which is not currently available.

Concerns were raised about the safety of the existing road conditions, particularly as traffic increases with the potential development of nearby areas. The mayor emphasized the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the safety of drivers, especially youth, and to facilitate smoother traffic flow. He proposed extending McCartney Road to four lanes, which would improve access to the freeway ramps and alleviate congestion.

The council discussed the possibility of implementing traffic signals at the ramps to enhance safety and control traffic flow. Preliminary estimates for these improvements suggest a cost of approximately $3 to $4 million, which is not currently included in the city’s budget. However, officials expressed a commitment to exploring federal funding opportunities to support these projects.

The meeting underscored the urgency of addressing traffic and safety concerns in the McCartney Ranch area, with officials recognizing that improvements are essential not only for public safety but also for the economic vitality of the city, which relies heavily on sales tax revenue. The council plans to further evaluate these proposals as part of the upcoming fiscal year budget discussions.