A consultant is 70 percent complete with a feasibility study of crossing options. The options are: underpass, overpass, a shared-use path beneath the existing Oak Creek bridge, and maintaining the current at-grade crossing with additional pedestrian control measures. The owners of Tlaquepaque have expressed support for the shared-use path and additional pedestrian control measures at the existing crosswalk. The next report to the city council will include cost estimates for the feasible options.
The project proposes construction of a pedestrian bridge, tunnel, or other crossing of SR 179 between Oak Creek and the shopping area. A bridge or tunnel would eliminate conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles, improve safety and help reduce traffic. The city plans a feasibility study as a first step to identify constraints and criteria, and identify favorable locations for a crossing. Factors that will be considered include existing infrastructure, utility conflicts, existing structures, existing trees and vegetation, floodplain, and future SR 179 widening. Total estimated budget is $2 million.
Consultant JE Fuller/WSP will conduct a feasibility study. The management of the shopping village has committed funds and support for these improvements.
A consultant is under contract to identify preferred alignments and prepare a final design and this work is expected to be completed before July 2019.
This project would improve traffic flow on SR179 between the Schnebly Hill roundabout and the Y by altering traffic patterns, improving roadway design and addressing capacity issues.
Evaluate opportunities to use Portal Lane as one-way access to shopping with new connections to allow vehicles to exit onto Brewer-Ranger roads.
Reduce the number of vehicles that use the Schnebly Hill roundabout by providing alternate access to northbound SR89A and West Sedona.
Improve safety at the Ranger Road / Brewer Road intersection.
The Brewer/Ranger connection would help divert vehicles that would be making a U-turn movement at the Schnebly Hill roundabout, reducing SR 179 congestion. With no traffic, it takes 12 minutes to travel from Bell Rock Blvd to the Y. In severe congestion it takes 36 minutes. This level of severe congestion occurred on 6 days between February 1 and June 4, 2017.
The Brewer/Ranger connection is a relatively low-cost improvement and creates a more convenient route for northbound and westbound SR179 travelers with minimal impact to southbound SR179 travelers.