$16.2M frontage road planned
by Kathleen Stinson

ANTHEM/TRAMONTO – The county transportation department is taking public comments on the design of a connector road that will provide an alternative route between Carefree Highway and Anthem.

Maricopa County Department of Transportation is planning construction of a connection between Gavilan Peak Parkway’s southern end at Joy Ranch Road in Anthem and the North Valley Parkway in Tramonto. The 2.5‑mile segment would run roughly parallel to Interstate 17 and function as a frontage road.

The project, not yet funded, is estimated at $16.2 million and construction is expected to start in spring of 2008.

County Supervisor Andy Kunasek, who is leading the effort to get funding for the roadway, would like the City of Phoenix, the Legislature and the Arizona Department of Transportation to  contribute financially.

“I think it is important we address this before construction starts on the I‑!7 widening project,” Kunasek said.

“We don’t know if we have the money yet, but it is a probable event,” stated Roger Ball, spokesman for MCDOT, adding that the county’s 2008 budget has not been finalized.

Seventy percent of the project’s design has been completed, and MCDOT held a open house recently to take public comment.

“By connecting Gavilan Peak Parkway to the North Valley Parkway, it essentially un‑landlocks the largest cul‑de‑sac in the North Valley,” commented Frank Grimmelmann, Anthem Community Council board member.

The connector will provide an alternate route when I‑17 is congested and a safer route south toward Phoenix, Grimmelmann said. He pointed out it is important for Anthem residents to communicate the value of funding the connection to their government representatives.

The plan involves construction of an interim two‑lane roadway–one 12‑foot travel lane in each direction–with bike lanes and paved shoulders, according to a press release issued by the county. The new road will connect to the Pioneer Road/I‑17 interchange, essentially providing a third freeway access to nearby communities.

The release also states: “Sufficient public right‑of‑way will be acquired during this project to accommodate the roadway’s future upgrade to a four‑lane divided roadway to match Anthem improvements and meet future traffic demand.”

In addition, the project includes a two‑lane extension of Cloud Road from Gavilan Peak Parkway to 33rd Lane.

MCDOT cites the following reasons for building the frontage road: Respond to regional growth and promote regional connectivity, implement regional transportation plans, provide alternate access to schools and community destinations, and provide an integral link in the I‑17 frontage road system between Anthem and Carefree Highway.

For more information, contact MCDOT at 602‑506‑2867.

Reach the reporter at kathleen@thedesertadvocate.com.