February 2006 - Be Aware of Traffic Delays

North Central Avenue near St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church and major business center at Camelback Road


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Councilman Tom Simplot's
North Central News Column

February 2006

Be Aware of Traffic Delays

As most of you have probably seen by now, there is considerable commotion going on in central Phoenix.

Like any major construction project, the work on the new light rail line is bringing some challenges. It will all pay off in 2008, when the new mode of transportation for Phoenix and other communities helps all kinds of people get around, while cutting down on traffic and helping the environment.

But in the meantime, here are a few of the most prominent construction areas for you to keep in mind:

Construction in Line Section One (Bethany Home Road to Camelback Road; 19th Avenue to Central Avenue). Construction has already started on line section one, extending along Camelback Road from 11th to Central avenues and along the west side of 19th Avenue between Camelback Road and Missouri Avenue. This construction includes private and public utility relocation and demolition of curbs, sidewalks and landscaping. Only two lanes will be open along 19th Avenue, between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m., with work concluding in mid-February.

Construction in Line Section Two (Central Avenue between Camelback and McDowell roads). A considerable amount of construction will be happening along Central Avenue over the upcoming year. Between Camelback Road and Encanto Boulevard, Central Avenue will have two northbound and southbound lanes open through the second quarter of 2006. Also, Central Avenue will have only one lane open in each direction during nighttime hours, 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. through February.

Though the delays caused by re-routing utilities and the start of construction can be difficult, a little advance planning can make construction easier to handle.

Please keep these tips in mind when navigating our changing streetscape:

Add 15 to 20 minutes of travel time to your trips along the light rail route. Especially during the peak hours of 6 to 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m., you may face heavy traffic delays.

Take alternate routes into downtown, like Seventh Avenue or Seventh Street.

Plan shopping trips to Camelback Road and Central Avenue businesses. Most of these neighborhood institutions are still open during Light Rail construction. They can always use your support!

Get more information about Light Rail construction through Valley Metro Rail at www.valleymetro.org/rail or by calling 602-254-RAIL.

Our office is committed to working with residents and businesses along the Light Rail route. The bumps in the road now will lead to smoother travel for Phoenix in just a few years.

Councilman Tom Simplot represents District 4, which includes parts of North Central Phoenix. If you have questions, comments or suggestions on this or any other issue, contact his office at 602-262-7447 or e-mail council.district.4@phoenix.gov ..

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