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MAG presents Wickenburg transportation-area master plan update citing collision hotspots and future congestion
Summary
Maricopa Association of Governments updated the Wickenburg Common Council on a transportation-area master plan that identifies 1,228 collisions in five years (including 14 fatalities) and predicts increased congestion on US-60 by 2050; MAG announced public meetings and an online survey.
Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) staff briefed the Wickenburg Common Council on June 15 on the ongoing Transportation Area Master Plan study, outlining study focus areas, collision data and public outreach steps ahead of a final report expected in February 2027.
Steve Boyle, Wickenburg Community Development Director, introduced Audra Koester Thomas, MAG’s executive director, and Tim Strow, MAG’s major projects planning manager. MAG identified study topics that include US-93 incident and secondary emergency-route analysis, Jack Burden Road resiliency, feasibility of a grade-separated railroad crossing, a potential road diet for North Tegner Street, evaluation of Jake-brake restrictions, freight traffic management, multiuse path extensions, BLM/ASLD trailhead concepts and Kerkes Street ATV access.
MAG staff presented recent safety data showing 1,228 total collisions in the past five years, including 14 fatalities, 48 suspected serious injuries and seven collisions involving nonmotorists; 74% of reported crashes were located on US-60, US-93 and SR-89. MAG’s traffic-level-of-service analysis showed current congestion concentrated before Vulture Mine Road on US-93 and forecasted additional congestion on US-60 approaching and leaving town by 2050.
Councilmember Shawn Clark asked about traffic-count methodologies and the incremental effect of BNSF freight traffic on US-60; Tim Strow said the cited counts are hourly figures, referenced MAG’s recent US-60 corridor study for freight impacts, and noted that nearby design and construction (such as Loop 303/US-60 improvements) are funded through Proposition 479 with ADOT responsible for delivery over an estimated five-year horizon. Councilmember Margaret Nyberg commented that traffic volumes spike during roping events and that MAG’s practice to conduct spring and fall counts is intended to avoid summer undercounts.
MAG staff announced public meetings planned for late summer/early fall and again in winter prior to a final presentation to council, and a community survey with an online interactive map for resident input.
The study is being managed by MAG with Michael Baker International serving as consultant and an anticipated completion date in February 2027. The council received the update; no action was required.
