Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
What is going to happen to Pima Road?
When work is complete Pima Road from McDowell Road on the south end to 90th Street at Via Linda on the north end will include four 11-foot travel lanes, two 5-foot bike lanes, and a 14-foot median. All land required for right-of-way was purchased several years ago for the eventual improvement of Pima Road, therefore, no additional land will need to be purchased.
Where is the money for this project coming from?
70 percent of the funding for this project will come from the half-cent sales tax extension that voters in Maricopa County approved in 2004. Pima Road was part of a package of regional improvements approved by voters. Additional money will likely come from several other federal, state and local agencies, and possibly some funding from the federal stimulus plan. The City of Scottsdale and Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community are working jointly to identify that additional funding.
Will this project extend south of McDowell Road?
Any extension south of McDowell Road will be based on future plans and development by the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, which owns the land south of McKellips Road.
When will construction begin?
The project includes five phased improvement packages, which divides the work along the approximately 8 mile long project into sections. Some northern sections of Pima Road are already undergoing developer improvements and are being planned with the Pima Road design team. Phase 1 construction, from Via de Ventura to the Arizona Canal began June 1, 2010.
Will you be buying right of way -- either land or homes?
No. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) already owns an easement on the land needed to expand Pima Road to four lanes.
Why not add the lanes only on the Scottsdale side? Or only on the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community side?
Plans by both communities have been in place for many years to improve and widen Pima Road and we will use the existing right-of-way that was previously set aside for improving the corridor. Private land on both sides of Pima Road is extremely valuable and additional land purchases would be very costly. Everybody who uses the Pima Road will benefit from a more efficient, less congested, safer and nicer roadway.
What about road noise?
Existing barrier walls will stay in their existing location. Additionally, the road would be constructed with smoother, quieter rubberized asphalt which reduces traffic noise.
Can wall heights be increased or decreased?
The City of Scottsdale can work with neighbors to establish acceptable heights for existing walls.
Are you going to make it a greenway with landscaping and bike lanes?
Pima Road improvements will include better landscaping, a median, bike lanes, and enhanced lighting. A raised median will improve traffic safety and allow for the addition of native vegetation.
