About the Project
The Phoenix Street Transportation Department is in the early planning stage of a project to revitalize the McDowell Road corridor between 7th Street and State Route 51 (Piestewa Freeway). 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 Vision Zero 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).
March 2023 Update
Many community members were vocal about wanting a safe place to bicycle along McDowell Road. Arterial roads, such as McDowell Road, carry higher volumes of vehicles that move at faster speeds, so safety is a paramount concern.
The Street Transportation Department is working with MAG and its consultants to obtain post-COVID traffic modeling data that will allow staff 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.
