Studies examining last year’s reconfiguration of McClintock Drive, a project that was launched to enhance bicyclist convenience and safety, are headed toward a June completion date, according to a new projection by Tempe officials.
Some motorists have complained that modifications to the previous roadway configuration have impeded morning and evening rush-hour traffic flow, and a group appearing before the Tempe City Council in November was said to be instrumental in the councilmembers’ decision to undertake a study.Â
Following that meeting, council members requested that staff study the possible use of a consultant to evaluate the roadway for inclusion of bicycle infrastructure while restoring vehicle capacity.
The following summary describes staff process so far, with a goal of returning to the council in June after having completed a period focusing on public involvement and evaluating solutions on a segment-by-segment basis while also including the improvements of the entire corridor.
January, March and May — Continue data collection between University and Elliot:
• Traffic Volumes
• Travel Times (including off peak times; also compare to other two/two arterials in Tempe)
• Bike Counts: At all major intersections between Apache & Guadalupe on McClintock
• Crashes: Collect Monthly
February — Council decides on contract with consultant, if required
March-May — Deliverables from consultant:
• Traffic Analysis
• Data Collection and Field Review
• Best Practice Research
• Modeling Alternatives
• Develop Design Alternatives that meet Council’s threshold criteria
• Cost Opinions
• Internal stakeholder meetings
• Two public meetings with breakout sessions
• Transportation Commission Presentation
• Sustainability Commission Presentation
June — Present to Council:
• Public outreach findings
• Data collection findings
• Design alternatives and costs for council consideration
Tempe staff will follow the council-adopted Tempe Involving the Public manual throughout the public involvement process.
Â
Tempe, You are doing it all wrong. You will NEVER be able to integrate bicycles with thousands of pounds of moving metal safely. It’s basic physics. Come up with all of the scenarios you want, but quit lying to yourselves. If you really want to encourage bicycle travel, then make bicycle only corridors. Traffic flow through Tempe is horrible to begin with. Example – McClintock to Roosevelt street via Southern Ave., 20 Minutes at times and this is in the early AM, no traffic to speak of, just red light after red light.