The Maricopa City Council approved a comprehensive plan to redesign a problematic intersection near Maricopa High School and Exceptional Community Hospital. The plan addresses traffic flow issues created by a previous state highway project.
The Problem and Solution
The intersection of North Maricopa Road and West Honeycutt Avenue has suffered from poor traffic flow since the Arizona Department of Transportation constructed the North John Wayne Parkway overpass. ADOT’s construction realigned Maricopa Road from its original north-south orientation into an offset intersection design.
“Maricopa Road used to be almost directly north/south. ADOT decided to redesign it and do it as an offset intersection, where we have the offset north/south road. That makes it rather difficult for legal right turns on red and things like that,” explained Derek Scheerer, Senior Planner with the city’s Development Services Department.
The city’s solution involves realigning North Maricopa Road back to a traditional perpendicular intersection. “What we’re going to do is bend North Maricopa Road heading northward to the west a little bit so that it lines up into a cross intersection, a typical intersection where it’s easier to traverse for vehicles and also for people,” Scheerer said.
Development Connection
Desert Cedars Equities, LLC owns property adjacent to the intersection and is actively developing South Bridge Marketplace, a commercial project in the area. Josh Bowman noted during the presentation that “they are currently under construction on the larger of the development.” The intersection improvements will provide “greater access to the land south of the intersection” and serve “future commercial developments to the south,” according to project documents.
The cost-sharing arrangement between the city and Desert Cedars Equities reflects the mutual benefits both parties gain from improved traffic flow and access to the area.
Project Improvements and Funding
The project costs exceed $2 million. It includes road realignment, an additional fourth traffic signal leg, and replacement of all existing traffic signal poles and arms with new powder-coated versions featuring cameras. The project also adds a new right turn lane, new curb and gutter with ADA-accessible ramps, and updated intersection striping and street signs.
Desert Cedars Equities, LLC and its contractors will handle all construction responsibilities while the city’s reimbursement is capped at approximately $1,037,640.78, representing roughly half the project cost. Josh Bowman, Chief Strategy Officer in the office of Economic Opportunity, explained: “The city would reimburse for half of the improvements. That whole project is over $2 million. Potentially, if approved, the city would reimburse that development for 50%.”
Any expenses beyond the capped amount would require additional city council approval. When Councilmember AnnaMarie Knorr asked whether the city’s payment was capped, Bowman confirmed that cost overruns would need separate council authorization.
Construction Timeline
Construction is underway on the adjacent commercial development, and intersection work will begin shortly thereafter. When Councilmember Eric Goettl asked about timing and potential impacts on school traffic, Bowman acknowledged temporary disruption but emphasized long-term benefits.
“We know that there is going to be concerns with traffic flow at the time. As with any of these projects, we know that it will get better when it’s done. There will be a short period of kind of pain point at this time,” Bowman said.
