Mayor Rick Horst explained the city’s proposal to improve traffic flow on Route 347 during a presentation to the Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday.
Following an update on the West Pinal County/Municipal Maricopa Regional Transportation Plan by Kevin Kugler of consulting firm Michael Baker International, LLC, Holst listed the city’s suggestions for improvements that could be completed in the short term. . parliament.
“In 347, even a minor[Congressional]proposal to solve some of the problems is a $290 million fix,” Horst said. “If they give us half that amount, we can work it out. Once in town and at the (Cemex) cement factory, around 3pm the trucks are stuck, but the traffic (at the red light) stops and waits for those ‘ghost trucks’ to turn. increase. Why can’t I sync so that the lights don’t come on either? Put that strip in so it doesn’t trip unless a car is approaching.
“The second is to remove both the concrete plant and the Casablanca[road][traffic lights]because this is a proposal for the state. Turn around, slow down, then make a U-turn so you don’t get stuck in traffic.I asked you to give me about $18 million to do those two things.
This traffic design is known as a Michigan left turn or P-turn. This replaces the left turn at the intersection between the secondary road and the above-ground main dividing road with a right turn followed by a U-turn combination.
Under this proposal, southbound traffic could turn left from 347 onto Casablanca Road or the CEMEX factory, but westbound traffic turning south from Casablanca or the factory into 347 would first turn north. , and then merge into the land on the left to form a U-junction. – Enter an expanded area called the “Rune” concept (see attached diagram).
For budgetary reasons, Horst said it was essential to start work on these projects now.
“Fixing Riggs Road solves more than 40 percent of the problems,” says Horst.
“The funds are on Riggs Road. It will cost a lot of dollars.
The state has allocated $46.4 million for the construction of the Riggs Road overpass during the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions, said Quinn Connold, a spokesperson for Holst’s office.
“Keep in mind that another $19 million has been allocated in 2022 to begin design work on the SR347,” said Konold. “Currently, there is a bill before Congress (HB2063) that would reduce this design cost to $6 million. within the city limits of Maricopa.”
The final plan, outlined by Holst, was to proceed with the installation of a “branching diamond” interchange on US 347 and I-10. This project is already funded by the Maricopa Government Association.
The design of the Fork Diamond Interchange allows vehicles entering and exiting the highway to continue moving without stopping at traffic lights.
Horst added that Gov. Katie Hobbs’ actions could further delay the start of construction.
“Our governor is proposing to recall all existing contracts and projects, and we plan to reprioritize them all,” Horst said. Then get engaged.The mayor is doing a good job.She’s in the Capitol today (Monday) and we’re coming up with a solution.Frankly, we’re trying to solve the problem. We have had a lot of support from our representatives[Teresa]Martinez and[Senator]TJ Schop and some others, but we need all of you to make it happen.”
