October 22, 2005

MARICOPA - With the possibility of 106,000 residents in Maricopa by the year 2010, the city is gearing up to meet ever-increasing transportation needs.

 
According to Maricopa's draft General Plan, improved regional transit, development of efficient and safe railroad crossings and the creation of a multimodal circulation system should all be priorities for the city. According to the plan, traffic volumes could increase by 20-fold in the next 15 years.

The plan indicates a need to widen Arizona 347 to accommodate increased capacity and expansion of the road to the south to connect with Interstate 8. Commuters on the road, which connects Maricopa with the Phoenix metropolitan area, are already complaining of high traffic volume, especially during the morning and evening drive times.

According to the recently completed Small Area Transportation Study, approximately 13,650 vehicle trips are counted each day on 347. Without new regional roadway connections, that volume could reach over 80,000 daily trips by 2020. Even with alternative routes, the number of trips could be near 60,000.

Regional connections suggested include alternate routes to Interstate 10, including extension of Murphy and Porter roads through the Gila River Indian Community. The plan states a need to "initiate conceptual studies and regular communications with (the) Gila River Indian Community to assess feasibility of new alignments and rights of way for regional roadway connections."

Other possibilities to ease congestion include the development of local thoroughfares to connect with Loop 202 and Loop 303 as well as Arizona 85, west of the Estrella Mountains.

Also suggested is a study to determine the feasibility of a commuter rail corridor to Phoenix, which could run alongside Arizona 347.

The plan states: "Transit service between the city and destination shopping, medical and other services would bring quality-of-life enhancements to residents."

Another challenge Maricopa faces is the need to improve rail-highway crossings, as the community is bisected by the main Union Pacific Railroad line.

"Rapidly growing communities like Maricopa need a sufficient number of rail-highway crossings that are safe and convenient to support travel demand and needed emergency service responders," says the plan. "Of particular concern in Maricopa is the Arizona 347 rail crossing."

With between 45 and 55 freight trains coming through Maricopa daily, traffic on the highway is often stopped, sometimes for as long as 20 minutes. Traffic is also delayed when Amtrak's Orlando-Los Angeles Sunset Limited makes its twice-weekly stop. The train parks across the highway as passengers embark and disembark.

"Delays and safety concerns exist at this crossing where traffic backups have farther-reaching impacts on traffic operations in the city."

The need for a grade-separated railroad crossing, such as an underpass or overpass, at this location is noted. Crossings at other major arterials, such as Green, Porter, White and Parker and Murphy roads, should also be considered, the study says.

For those who prefer alternate forms of transportation, the plan addresses a need for expanded pedestrian, equestrian and bicycle facilities in Maricopa. Among the suggestions is the development of crosswalks, bicycle paths and sidewalks with shade and shelter along Arizona 347 and other major roadways. Including these needs within residential developments is also addressed.

"In new developments, (the city should) ensure the inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian connections to key destinations such as parks, adjacent services and schools."

The plan also mentions nearby Phoenix Regional Airport, currently under consideration for annexation by the city, as an important circulation component. The plan suggests that regular air freight and passenger service should be encouraged in an attempt to support local economic development efforts.

The draft General Plan is available for any interested party to review and comment. Review copies are available at the Maricopa Community Library and City Hall. Comments can be e-mailed to David Williams at dwaplanning@comcast.net  or mailed to General Plan Comment, Maricopa City Hall, P.O. Box 610, Maricopa, AZ 85239.

The 60-day public review period will end Nov. 12. Comments will be cataloged and provided to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council during public hearings scheduled for November and December.