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Flagstaff committee weighs Lone Tree/Butler construction updates as riders report confusing detours
Summary
City staff told the Bicycle Advisory Committee that Butler was paved and striped and that the Lone Tree overpass would begin later this summer; members and public commenters urged clearer detour signage and leading signal timing for bicycle safety.
City staff gave a construction and design update on the Lone Tree/Butler corridor and heard repeated complaints that temporary detours are confusing and unsafe for cyclists.
At the meeting, Ben Marker, a project manager and senior lead in capital improvements, introduced himself and described recent work: "I'm new here. Ben Marker, project manager, senior lead under capital improvements," and said Butler was paved and striped and that four lanes should open later in the week while complete-streets changes remain part of the ultimate buildout.
Members and a public commenter described poor rerouting for bicyclists during intersection work, saying the temporary signage forced riders into narrow or vehicle lanes. One participant recounted riding the single-lane construction detour as "terrifying," adding, "Do not recommend." Committee members flagged that temporary paint and short-lived markings often erode quickly and asked staff for more durable signage and education for road users.
Design details discussed included a two‑way bikeway on one side of the bridge span, an 11‑ to 16‑foot cross‑section in places, and protected‑intersection elements near Lone Tree/Butler that staff said will improve safety when completed. Members emphasized operational choices that can be made before curb or permanent geometry changes: camera detection for cyclists, leading intervals or bike‑specific signals, and targeted signage at driveway entries and crossings.
Staff said some of the renderings and signal options shown are for the "ultimate" configuration and that the present layout is an interim or equilibrium plan to be revisited as complete‑streets construction proceeds. The committee asked staff to pursue clearer temporary routing, to consider leading‑interval signal phasing or bike detection, and to return with revisions as the overpass work advances.
Next steps: staff will share final striping plans and further information on signal options; the Lone Tree overpass construction was described as expected to begin later this summer.
