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Council tables interchange renaming decision after mixed views, asks staff for ADOT cost estimate
Summary
Council debated renaming the Rancho Santa Fe interchange to Rattlesnake Wash, heard feedback from ADOT and local developers, failed a motion to keep the current name, and then voted to table the matter pending a cost estimate and further outreach.
Kingman — The Kingman City Council on Tuesday discussed a request to rename the Rancho Santa Fe traffic interchange to Rattlesnake Wash and ultimately voted to table the matter while staff secures cost estimates and stakeholder input.
City Manager Tim Walsh said he spoke with Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), which indicated it would not object to a name change but that it would require updates to signing and striping plans. ADOT’s project engineer (AECOM) said costs could likely be absorbed within project contingencies but would need a subconsultant to provide a firm quote.
Council heard from developers and residents. A developer representative said the original developer opposed changing a marketable name back to "Rattlesnake" because it was seen as unfriendly. A resident urged keeping Rancho Santa Fe because it projects a more favorable image. Other council members argued for citizen input and requested that ADOT confirm whether the change would impose direct costs to the city.
A motion to leave the interchange name unchanged was presented and failed on a 4‑to‑3 count, according to discussion; a subsequent motion to table the item until the city receives a firm ADOT cost estimate and conducts further outreach passed.
Why it matters: Signage and naming can affect developer marketing and community branding; potential sign changes could carry construction or change‑order costs depending on ADOT’s final accounting.
What comes next: Staff will ask ADOT/AECOM for a cost estimate for changing roadway, interchange and I‑40 signage and will report back to council; staff also suggested community outreach or a survey of affected property owners before any final council action.
