The Town Council received a presentation Oct. 15 from the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) on the Superstition Vistas multimodal transportation planning study. Hannah Quincy, MAG project manager, told the council the study area spans roughly 278 square miles and includes parts of Apache Junction, Florence, Mesa, Queen Creek and portions of Maricopa and Pinal counties.

Quincy said the study used data-driven scenario analysis and travel‑demand modeling to test networks for 2030 and 2050 horizons. She summarized the recommended 2050 network as including 136 new or widened roadway projects, 34 operational intersection improvements, 12 distinct freeway projects and 199 non-motorized projects such as multiuse paths and on-street bike facilities. The study also identifies potential freight corridors and long‑range fixed‑route transit extensions, and it flagged areas where growth and congestion could create "major mobility constraints."

Quincy said employment growth in the study area is projected to increase 152% by 2050 and noted MAG expects the region's population to grow to about 6.8 million by 2050. She said MAG's final report will include an implementation and funding strategy and will be presented to MAG policy committees in the coming months.

Councilmembers asked technical questions. Councilmember Brown asked whether the study prescribes cross sections (lane counts or ultimate build widths) for new or widened roadways; Quincy said the study does not define detailed cross sections, and it drew recommended projects from local plans, capital programs and MAG's investment program and then stress‑tested networks with demand modeling. Public Works Director Mohammed Youssef added the town's transportation master plan contains more detailed roadway design guidance specific to Queen Creek.

Several councilmembers raised funding concerns; Councilmember Benning said the plan identifies needed improvements but does not include a funding mechanism. Quincy acknowledged that some projects are already programmed while others lack funding and said the final report will include an implementation and funding strategy. Councilmembers asked staff to follow up with more detail on projected corridor volumes and cross‑section assumptions for priority projects.

MAG stressed the study is a regional planning framework to inform jurisdictions and agencies about where future investments and coordination may be needed to keep people and freight moving as the subregion grows.