Traffic congestion is a continued problem experienced by anyone driving in the Queen Creek area, but the town has put in place plans to help alleviate the problem in the rapidly growing community with a current population of 68,500, according to the town.
“We know our residents want more and improved roadways–and as a council, we continue to invest in roadway infrastructure,” Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney said in January when the town and Pinal County broke ground on the final stretch of Meridian Road, a future regional corridor, being extended from Queen Creek Road to Germann Road.
The town is 41 percent through its 10-year infrastructure improvement plan, approved in 2016. Several projects remain under construction, are in design and nearing construction to round out 45 percent of the infrastructure program and include:
Chandler Heights and Power roads
Chandler Heights and Power roads will be widened to two lanes in each direction with center turn lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks and utility modifications. The work will be completed in phases, starting with Chandler Heights Road from Via Del Arroyo to Power roads. All phases of the project are anticipated to be complete in late spring.
Ocotillo Road from Signal Butte to Ironwood roads
The project will include widening Ocotillo Road to two lanes in each direction with center turn lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, drainage improvements, utility modifications and intersection enhancements at Meridian Road and Barnes Parkway. The project will also widen Meridian Road south to two lanes in each direction, connecting to the previously widened roadway. Improvements are anticipated to be completed in spring 2023.
Meridian Road from Queen Creek Road to SR 24
A new two-lane roadway, being built in partnership with Pinal County, will connect the existing Meridian Road, south of Queen Creek Road, to the State Route 24. The completion is slated to coincide with the opening of the SR 24 extension.
The SR 24 extension, an Arizona Department of Transportation project, is slated to be finished by late summer. It will provide two lanes in each direction from Ellsworth to Ironwood roads, providing major relief for Queen Creek and the region. The interim roadway will include access ramps at Williams Field, Signal Butte, Meridian and Ironwood roads. For more information, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/SR24.
The City of Mesa is also extending Signal Butte Road to connect to SR 24.
As roadway improvements continue, the town's new police department asks drivers to slow down, allow extra time for travel and be courteous of motorists and work crews.
The Drive to Arrive program is this year's town resolution to focus on safe driving. Queen Creek police are asking drivers to slow down, avoid distractions and remember the following tips: Allow ample time for travel to avoid aggressive driving and speeding; turn phone to "do not disturb" or keep it in your purse/bag while driving; slow down; stop on red and use common courtesy.
"Our goal is to make drivers safe, whether they're residents or just driving through town," Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice said. "That's why our Drive to Arrive campaign has been our focus to begin with. Traffic has been of the most concern to residents and this campaign focuses on keeping people safe on the roads."
For more information about the town’s capital improvement program, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/
