Originally posted to the web in News, on Wednesday, February 7, 2007 3:13 PM CST.
More roundabouts planned
By Tamara Thomas, Editor
 |
| This map shows a proposed roundabout, with a “jug-handle” intersection where Scenic Loop Road intersects Highway 93. |
Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) presented a plan last week to create three roundabouts and two new traffic signals on Highway 93 from Rincon Road to the Highway 89/93 junction.
The proposed improvement of the five-mile stretch was the topic of discussion at the meeting Tuesday, Jan. 30 at the Community Center.
ADOT's current proposal would create a limited-access divided highway including a number of roundabouts, signaled intersections and sections of access roads designed to improve safety and traffic flow. This part of Highway 93 is considered one of the most dangerous sections of the only road between Phoenix and Las Vegas -- two of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
Throughout the presentation, Berwyn Wilbrink of Jacobs Civil Inc., the engineering firm handling the design for ADOT, stressed that feedback, comments and concerns were sought to improve the plan.
“We're here to present the progress of the study and to get feedback on the concepts that have been developed since the last meeting,” he said. Wilbrink went on to say that comments from the meeting would go towards defining the plan. There will be one more meeting in the future to present the improved design. After the next meeting, the design will be finalized and construction will be scheduled. No time frame for those events was presented.
The current proposal includes adding up to three more roundabouts, one where Vulture Mine Road intersects 93 (replacing the year-old signal there), one at Scenic Loop Road, and another at the proposed entrance to the future Wickenburg Ranch Estates. Signals would be placed at Rincon Road and the 89/93 intersection.
The proposed additional roundabouts would bring the total number of these new intersections to five, including the two planned for the interim bypass.
“We feel the roundabouts are the safest alternative,” Wilbrink said. “Roundabouts provide an opportunity for commercial trucks and vehicles pulling trailers to make u-turns. With left turns being so restricted, and the amount of residents with horse trailers and such, this u-turn capability is essential.”
Roundabouts also slow down traffic, he added. Cars and trucks must slow to about 20 miles per hour to negotiate a roundabout.
Left turns from the highway would be severely restricted. Most left-hand turns would have to occur at roundabouts and signaled intersections. The driveways currently connecting directly to the highway would be diverted to access roads running parallel to the highway. Those access roads are similar to freeway frontage roads, connecting to the highway at controlled intersections only.
Where the access roads connect to the highway, a T-shaped connecting road would be necessary to prevent the backup of traffic entering and exiting the highway. Wilbrink called them “jug handles” because the access road, which otherwise parallels the highway, veers away from the highway and forms a jug-handle shape.
The proposal will require additional ADOT right-of-way. ADOT will need to purchase substantial land from adjacent property owners to accommodate the divided highway, access roads and intersections. Willbrink stated that the goal was “to keep the footprint as narrow as possible,” to reduce the effect to surrounding property.
“Traffic is expected to triple in the next 20 years on this stretch of highway,” stated Wilbrink. The planned improvements are designed to handle the traffic until the ultimate bypass is built -- about 20 years from now.
Everyone attending the meeting was given handouts including four maps of the affected area depicting the planned roadway improvements. A comment sheet and an explanatory sheet were also distributed. Input from all interested persons is sought to help refine and complete the design.
Comments must be sent by Friday, Feb. 16 to ADOT care of Coralie Cole, Jacobs Civil Inc., 875 W. Elliot Rd., Suite 201, Tempe, AZ 85284; email coralie.cole@jacobs.com; fax 480-763-8601 or go to the project Website at www.wickenburg.civilnet.sverdrup.com.
Print this story
Email this story
|
