McDowell Road Revitalization Project

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​About the Project

The City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department is in the early planning stages of a project to revitalize the McDowell Road corridor between 7th Street and State Route 51, Piestewa Parkway. The focus of this study is to identify and confirm community-supported safety and aesthetic improvements to achieve four main goals:

  • Creating a safer and more inviting area for people walking or riding bicycles to locations along the corridor,
  • Improving navigation in and around the retail areas,
  • Enhancing access to transit, and
  • Fostering a sense of place and identity.

This project is intended to promote pedestrian safety by working with the surrounding community to discuss and identify potential corridor improvements that emphasize safety, comfort, and connectivity for all users. This project aligns with the city's Road Safety Action Plan and overall vision to prioritize safety and transportation access. 

The planning or study phase of this project is funded by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG). 

*NEW* March 2023 Project Update

Many of you have been vocal about wanting a safe place to bicycle along McDowell Road. Arterial roads like McDowell Road carry higher volumes of vehicles that move at higher speeds, so safety is a paramount concern. But we heard you! We are working with MAG and our consultants to obtain post-COVID traffic modeling data that will allow us to study traffic lane reduction options that could include bike lanes on a portion of McDowell Road. Traffic and design engineers will explore the addition of bicycle lanes. 

The data gathering and additional study has affected our timeline to come back to you with design priorities. Please be patient while we explore options over the next few months. We will then plan another public engagement opportunity to review what we heard from you and share updated concepts based on your priorities for revitalizing the 7th Street to SR 51 McDowell Road corridor and safety of the public.​

 Virtual Meeting 09-20-22


​​Corridor Opportunities & Features

  • Frequent bus service
  • Established McDowell Miracle Mile brand
  • Diverse, unique local businesses
  • Wayfinding
  • Public art / murals
  • Micromobility / bikeshare / scootershare
  • Large amount of development underway
  • Ties to historic neighborhoods
  • Medical employment
  • Historic structures
  • Shade trees / existing sidewalks
  • Bicycle and transit connections from adjacent streets

​​Roll Plot - Overhead View of Corridor

The map linked below shows the corridor and general overview of where the City of Phoenix right-of-way exists. This is subject to surveying, but will give residents a general idea of how the city could work within existing right-of-way. 

McDowell Road Corridor from 7th St to SR 51 Roll Plot

​​Schedule

The planning or study phase of this project has been extended to obtain updated, post-COVID traffic studies. Please see the March 2023 update on this page. The design and construction phases are not yet funded.​


Project Contacts

Public Information: Albert Granillo at 623-825-3444 or agranillo@barnhartco.com​

​Project Manager: Brandy Ruark​ at 602-495-2068 or brandy.ruark@phoenix.gov​


Updated May 2023


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.​​​





Map of Project Area

Map of Project Area Extending from 7th St to SR 51


Existing Conditions

​Note: Images intentionally blurred to obscure license plates, stickers or identifying information.Photo collage showing existing conditions on roadExisting conditions walking paths and storefronts