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3rd and 5th Avenues Improvement Project - North of McDowell Road

This project is intended to identify bicycle and pedestrian improvements for Third and Fifth avenues north of McDowell Road. Making these types of improvements north of McDowell Road would help extend the bicycle and pedestrian improvements that are currently under construction on Third and Fifth avenues south of McDowell Road.

The scope for this design project includes:

  • A traffic analysis,
  • An assessment to provide sidewalk connectivity,
  • An assessment of minor area drainage concerns at three local streets,
  • Traffic signal modifications at Thomas Road and McDowell Road, and
  • The development of bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements. 

Project location:

  • Third Avenue between McDowell Road and Muhammad Ali Way (Edgemont Ave to Muhammad Ali Way will be part of a later phase)
  • ​Fifth Avenue between McDowell Road and Thomas Road​​

Project schedule:

  • Planning: Spring 2017 - Fall 2018
  • Design:  Fall 2019 - Fall 2023
  • 5th Avenue - Construction anticipated to be complete in spring 2025
  • ​3rd Avenue - Construction estimated to be complete in winter 2024
  • ​Fifth Avenue between McDowell Road and Thomas Road​​

3rd Avenue Update

  • *NEW* 06-18-25 Construction Update for 3rd Ave & Encanto Blvd
  • All driveway and utility relocations complete
  • Final paving is complete
  • Vertical concrete bike lane separation complete
  • Striping for driving lanes complete
  • Landscaping complete
  • Installation of bike lane entrance safety features is complete
  • Striping for bike lane complete
  • New signage installation complete

5th Avenue Update

  • 01-06-25 Paving Update for 5th Avenue​
  • 12-12-24 Paving Update for 5th Avenue​
  • 12-3-24 Paving Update for 5th Avenue​
  • Intersection upgrades completed
  • Street light installation completed
  • Landscape restoration complete
  • Storm drain upgrades at Encanto Boulevard are complete
  • Tree trimming near Encanto Boulevard is complete
  • Pavement reconstruction from Vernon to Edgemont complete
  • With pavement reconstruction, ADA ramp rework complete
  • Pavement overlay for the entire project complete
  • Vertical concrete bike lane separation complete
  • Striping and signage complete
  • Installation of bike lane/multi-use path entrance safety features complete​

Anticipated completion for 5th Avenue is spring 2025 if there are no utility conflicts or archeological findings that affect the timeline

Construction Notices

Previous Roll Plots

July 2021

Update from the project team

October 2020

Project Update from the Desk of the Street Transportation Director

July 2020

Thank you to those who attended the Virtual Public Meeting and Project Update Meeting and provided input through the survey. We appreciate your involvement. 

Presentation Materials from 7-30-2020

​Watch the July 30, 2​020 Project Update Virtual Meeting

​Answers to Questions Submitted to Panelists during Virtual Meeting

November 2019

(Previously presented which guided city staff to the design above)

Shown below are the design concepts for 3rd and 5th avenues that were on display at the open house meeting held Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2019. These concepts were identified as part of the 3rd and 5th Avenues Mobility Assessment conducted in 2018 by the city of Phoenix in partnership with the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG).

Contact the Project Team

Email: 3rdAND5thAvenuesN​orth@phoenix.gov

Project Hotline: 623-825-3444

Street Transportation Title VI and ADA Program
Title VI Notice to the Public and ADA Policy Statement

The City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department hereby gives notice that it is the agency's policy to assure full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title II of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related statutes and regulations in all program​​​​​​​s and activities. These federal statutes require that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program, activity or service the City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department administers. More information regarding the Title VI program can be found at Street Transportation Title VI and ADA Program or email  STR Title VI Program.​​​