SAN TAN VALLEY, AZ – A severe traffic accident on Hunt Highway has intensified discussions about traffic safety near the newly approved Johnson Ranch Multi-Family Development site. The incident, which required emergency response along the busy corridor, has become a focal point in ongoing debates about development and traffic management in the growing community.
The accident occurred near the intersection of E. Hunt Highway and E. Bella Vista Rd. between Fry’s Foods and Autozone. This is the site of a newly approved 17.64-acre residential development that will transform vacant land on the west side of Hunt Highway. The Pinal County Board of Supervisors recently approved the project in a 3-2 vote, rezoning the property from commercial to residential use for a mix of one-story and two-story rental units.
The development’s plans has attempted to address future traffic safety through multiple access points, including a new traffic signal on Hunt Highway that County Engineer Chris Wanamaker deems necessary given the location and projected traffic volume. Additional access features include a right-in/right-out entry point and an emergency-only access on Johnson Ranch Boulevard, designed to provide alternate routes during road blockages.
Local residents have consistently raised concerns about traffic safety in the area, particularly regarding increased volume on Hunt Highway and the addition of another traffic signal. The timing of yesterday’s accident has brought renewed attention to these concerns, as the community also grapples with broader questions about growth and development.
Rural Metro Fire Department responded to the scene with both fire engines and ambulance services. Rural Metro Fire Department, serving the San Tan Valley area since 1959, is a private fire protection service that operates through a membership-based model in unincorporated communities. The company, which began with one journalist’s mission to provide fire protection to areas outside city limits, has evolved into a comprehensive emergency service provider handling everything from fire suppression and medical emergencies to hazardous materials response and water rescue. Operating in unincorporated areas where municipal services aren’t available through tax funding, Rural Metro Fire provides emergency response through annual memberships that cover residential and commercial properties, ensuring professional emergency services for communities that would otherwise lack this essential coverage.
The incident comes as San Tan Valley pursues potential incorporation, with San Tan Valley Inc. (STV Inc.) currently leading a petition drive toward an August 2025 vote. The proposed municipality would encompass approximately 46.5 square miles and serve 91,000 residents, with incorporation supporters emphasizing the need for local control over development and infrastructure decisions.
Yesterday’s accident has transformed what was primarily a development debate into a broader discussion about traffic management and public safety infrastructure in this growing community. As San Tan Valley continues to expand, balancing development with safety measures remains a critical consideration for both current and future planning decisions.
