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43rd Avenue Improvement Projects
As part an effort to make the city’s roadways safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians while improving connections with transit, the city of Phoenix Street Transportation Department is designing improvements for 43rd Avenue, McDowell Road to the Grand Canal.
Project Details
The proposed improvements are part of the voter-approved Transportation 2050 program and will provide needed safety and mobility improvements as part of three focus areas within this corridor:
- 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road intersection
- 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road intersection
- 43rd Avenue crossing at the Grand Canal
These improvements further the recommendations in the 43rd Avenue Safety Project Assessment, McDowell Road to Bell Road, which was completed in late 2016, and will enhance connectivity with existing and planned bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and transit service for this transportation corridor.
43rd Avenue and McDowell Road Intersection planned improvements include:
- New southbound through traffic lane 500-feet north and south of McDowell Road to provide connectivity to the I-10 Freeway
- New raised concrete medians
- New bus bays
- New sidewalk ramps on all four corners
- Traffic signal improvements
- Street light improvements
43rd Avenue and Thomas Road Intersection planned improvements include:
- New southbound through traffic lane 500-feet north and south of Thomas Road
- New raised concrete medians
- New northbound right-turn lane
- New bus bays
- New sidewalk ramps on all four corners
- Traffic signal relocation and improvements
43rd Avenue and Grand Canal Crossing planned improvements include:
A new HAWK pedestrian signal for path users to be able to cross 43rd Avenue safely.
The HAWK (High-intensity Activity crosswalk) signal stays in the “off” position until activated by a pedestrian by pushing a button, which then triggers a signal to vehicles that there are pedestrians needing to cross the roadway so they can cross in a safe manner.
Project Location and Resources
The design corridor spans 43rd Avenue from south of the McDowell Road intersection north through the Thomas Road intersection to and including the Grand Canal crossing at 43rd Avenue.

Design Plans
- 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road 0 Cross Section
- 43rd Avenue and McDowell Road - Design Plans
- 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road - Cross Section
- 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road - Design Plans
- 43rd Avenue and Grand Canal - Cross Section
- 43rd Avenue and Grand Canal - Design Plans
- 43rd Avenue: McDowell Road to Virginia Avenue - Design Plot
- 43rd Avenue: Virginia Avenue to Grand Canal - Design Plot
Public Input Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in making our city streets safer and more livable. We welcome your comments and questions about the proposed improvements for this project. Sign up to receive project updates and notice of upcoming public involvement opportunities by emailing 43Avenue@phoenix.gov.
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 programs 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.