MCDOT hears suggestions
by Kathleen Stinson

DESERT HILLS/NEW RIVER – Although the county’s plan to widen 7th Street north of Carefree Highway has the general support of the New River/Desert Hills Community Association, members say some aspects still need tweaking.   

Maricopa County Department of Transportation staff have been meeting with NR/DHCA to get further input on the proposal to add one lane in each direction between Carefree Highway and Desert Hills Drive, plus an equestrian trail.

The county plans to soon finalize its conceptual design and make a recommendation, said Roberta Crowe, MCDOT spokeswoman.

“We hope to minimize the impact of road expansion and preserve the beauty as much as possible,” said NR/DHCA vice president Terry Marron.

At a recent meeting with MCDOT, association members expressed concern over the  7th Street/Desert Hills Drive intersection.

“There are a lot of curves north of that intersection ...” Marron explained. “There have been a lot of accidents at that intersection, and deaths, as a result.”

Vehicles entering the southbound lane from eastbound Desert Hills Drive need an additional blending lane to avoid oncoming traffic, he said, and the group wants inclusion of the turn lane in its widening plans.

Also, residents are concerned about the design of an open channel north of Joy Ranch Road and how it will look. The problem with the county’s plan to include wire‑tied rock is that trash collecting under the wire is difficult to remove, residents say. 

Marron says they would prefer the county construct a berm wall, but realize the budget is limited. Staff told residents they are looking at alternatives.

NR/DHCA members said they like the county’s plan to shift the road alignment to maintain front‑yard setbacks, but wondered whether side‑yard setbacks would be adhered to, also, with the shifting centerline. MCDOT told residents it will strive to meet setback standards.

Some suggested MCDOT needs to stress, when selling the widening proposal to the general public, that a wider 7th Street will eliminate traffic cutting through on residential side roads.