City Steps Up: New Traffic Signal Set for Accident-Ridden Intersection

Maricopa City Council took decisive action on August 8, 2024, unanimously approving the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Smith-Enke Road and Desert Greens Drive, a location notorious for accidents.

This intersection, labeled as “challenging,” has experienced at least six significant crashes within recent months, prompting city officials to reevaluate its safety measures. Public Works Director Keith Brown noted that studies indicated the intersection met certain criteria necessary for a traffic signal, leading to the recommendation for its installation to improve traffic flow.

Concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the proximity of this new signal to the existing one at Porter Road, situated approximately 900 feet away. Brown addressed these concerns, assuring citizens that the traffic signals would be “timed and synchronized” to mitigate delays and enhance traffic management.

Moreover, discussions on restricting right-turns at the intersection were dismissed. Brown expressed that this approach would be impractical, as it would limit essential movement to the eastbound direction, causing significant inconvenience for drivers.

Funding for the design will be sourced from unused capital improvement project allocations, while the construction of the signal is planned for the upcoming fiscal year, with an estimated total project cost of $760,000. The design phase is anticipated to commence next month, followed by scheduled construction in early 2026.