Is Porter Road Endangering Our Children? One Neighbor’s Alarming Concerns

Traffic congestion intensified at the intersection of Porter Road and Adams Way on Friday morning as parents dropped off their children at nearby schools. By 7:50 a.m., lines of vehicles were backed up, impacting access to four schools in the vicinity.

This intersection is flanked by Saddleback Elementary School and Leading Edge Academy charter school, with Sequoia Pathway and Heritage Academy located less than a mile away. The result is a complicated traffic pattern where parents navigate multiple entrances and exits, further complicating the flow on Adams Way.

Children walked to school, some accompanied by adults, while crosswalk guards attempted to manage the chaotic scene. Retired software engineer Sue Van Gosen, who lives near the intersection, expressed concern about the traffic troubles that escalate during school dismissal times.

City officials are now focusing on potential measures to enhance safety through these busy school zones. Van Gosen, who is well-acquainted with the area, recounted a recent close call where a child almost got hit by a vehicle while transitioning between schools. She pointed out the absence of a crosswalk across Adams Way, a critical gap in safety for students.

Having previously spoken to the Maricopa City Council about these hazards, Van Gosen warned of an imminent tragedy if conditions remain unchanged. She advocates for a reduction in speed limits around the schools to mitigate risks noted throughout her 14-year residency in Maricopa.

Van Gosen highlighted the increase in traffic volume, attributing it in part to new apartment complexes being constructed nearby. She sees a pressing need for the city to implement 15 mph speed limits in front of the charter and public schools, similar to those established near Butterfield Elementary School.

Assistant City Manager Jennifer Brown acknowledged the city’s commitment to reevaluating traffic safety measures but emphasized that numerous factors, including safety and enforcement, must be analyzed. Brown noted that the existing speed limit ranges from 35 mph to 45 mph in the area, stressing the importance of expert input in determining appropriate school zones.

As a measure of traffic-calming, a radar sign was installed on Porter Road, and police patrols are strategically deployed during peak traffic times. However, Van Gosen remains adamant that more must be done to safeguard children in the area, planning to take her concerns to the Maricopa Unified School District Governing Board next.

Other residents in Maricopa share similar concerns. Remy Casanova emphasized the dangers surrounding school bus pickups, urging that prompt action be taken to enhance safety for students before any accidents occur.