Transportation - Major Projects
Beardsley Connector Project
May 14, 2008 - PROJECT UPDATE - Public open house briefings
on the final design for the
Beardsley Road Connector and Union Hills Drive widening are scheduled for May 28 and June 3. CLICK HERE to view the flyer for more information.
The information provided on this site is part of an on-going effort to provide Glendale residents with up-to-date information on the city of Peoria's improvements to Beardsley Road and a proposed "Texas U-Turn" style interchange near Union Hills Drive. This Website will be periodically updated so we encourage you to check back with us as the project progresses.
The City of Glendale has long been committed to resolving a number of transportation-related issues impacting the cities of Glendale and Peoria in the Northwest Valley. During just the past ten years, Glendale totally funded the construction of a new bridge on 83rd Avenue; widened half of Union Hills Drive between 83rd Avenue and Loop 101; and widened 75th Avenue south of Deer Valley Road, and widened 67th Avenue south of Pinnacle Peak Road to accommodate traffic to and from Peoria. In addition, Glendale was a major financial partner in the construction of the Deer Valley Bridge over the New River. Glendale has undertaken these major transportation projects to address traffic mitigation issues in one of the areas where Glendale and Peoria borders meet in the northern areas of our two cities.
Peoria’s proposed Beardsley Road Connector project will allow motorists to directly access Loop 101 from Beardsley Road. As part of this project, Glendale is requesting a study from Peoria that demonstrates the Beardsley Connection will also reduce traffic demands on the 75th Avenue and Union Hills Drive Loop 101 Bridge.
Success Plan
It is critical to Glendale that the Beardsley Road Connector be designed and constructed in a manner that is compatible with the environment and the surrounding neighborhoods which have been in existence for decades. To accomplish these goals, the City of Glendale requests the following actions be undertaken:
- A public participation process to provide opportunities for input by Glendale and Peoria residents and businesses must be implemented. The input from this process is to be utilized in making design decisions.
- The final design for the project must ensure that no visual intrusion occurs in any Glendale neighborhoods, and that no roadway will be constructed higher than the current Union Hills Drive traffic interchange. The "Texas U-Turn" structure over Loop 101 will not be built higher than the minimum required clearance for vehicles on the freeway.
- Noise standards are to be fully addressed including rubberized asphalt and noise walls, as warranted.
- Ensure that there is sufficient right-of-way for future construction of the north and south trails along the New River.
- The project is to be fully landscaped with agreements in place for ongoing landscaping maintenance (i.e., Peoria maintains frontage road) and any new infrastructure between the City of Peoria and the Arizona Department of Transportation.
As previously stated, avoidance of all noise and visual intrusion to existing surrounding neighborhoods as a result of this project is a major concern for Glendale. Protection for Glendale residents’ quality of life will be the basis for future support of this project by the City of Glendale.
FAQ's for the Proposed Beardsley Road Connection to Loop 101
Why is this project needed?
The October 2002 North Central Peoria/Northwest Glendale Circulation Study conducted by Parsons Brinckerhoff concluded that a "Texas U-Turn" style interchange would be the preferable configuration to provide alternative freeway access to motorists traveling west of Loop 101 and north of Union Hills Drive. In addition, the study recommended the Beardsley Road Connector. Both of these improvements are projected to improve regional traffic mobility.
What is a "Texas U-Turn"?
A "Texas U-Turn" is a type of interchange that will allow direct access to Loop 101 northbound without entering the Union Hills' intersection. A one-way southbound frontage road will be added to the northwest side of Loop 101, between 75th Avenue and Union Hills Drive. To accommodate northbound Loop 101 traffic, a new u-shaped bridge will be built adjacent to and just north of the existing Union Hills Drive overpass. Traffic from the southbound frontage road wanting to travel north on Loop 101, would then make a "u-turn" on the new bridge to access the Union Hills Drive northbound on-ramp. This configuration is commonly referred to as a "Texas U-Turn."
Who is initiating, funding and implementing this project?
This project is the responsibility of the City of Peoria and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
Will this project increase noise levels?
Peoria will conduct noise studies in Glendale for the area east of Loop 101 and north of Union Hills.
What will be the height of the new road?
The elevation of the new "Texas U-Turn" structure at Union Hills will be approximately 2 to 3 feet higher than the existing Union Hills bridge. This is required for the clearance on Loop 101. The frontage road will be approximately the same height as Loop 101. The new section of Beardsley Road may have a higher elevation than the frontage road, but the height is not expected to provide visual access into the residences east of Loop 101.
Will motorists traveling the new roadway be able to see into Glendale neighborhoods?
Glendale neighborhoods adjacent to Loop 101 and the project area currently have sound walls. These walls are located where the Texas U-Turn structure is proposed. The frontage road and the new section of Beardsley Road are located at a distance that would prohibit motorists from being able to see into Glendale neighborhoods.
Why can't Peoria build a fly-over instead of a Texas U-Turn?
The interchange spacing between 75th Avenue and Union Hills will not be sufficient for an additional access (i.e. fly-over ramp). In addition, the fly-over would need to be elevated over Loop 101 and would therefore create visual impacts to Glendale residents on the east side of the freeway.
What is the current status of the project?
Design plans are approximately 60% level. Anticipated final plans Nov. or Dec 2008. Construction to start Spring 2009 by ADOT.
Public meeting is being scheduled in June 2008.
Union Hills Bridge Widening will be constructed as part of the same construction contract.
Will motorists traveling the new roadway be able to see into Glendale neighborhoods?
Glendale neighborhoods adjacent to Loop 101 and the project area currently have sound walls. These walls are located where the Texas U-Turn structure is proposed. The frontage road and the new section of Beardsley Road are located at a distance that would prohibit motorists from being able to see into Glendale neighborhoods.
Who can I contact for more information about this project?
- Dan Nissen, City of Peoria Assistant City Engineer for the CIP (623) 773-7210
- Fred Tallarico, Carter Burgess Consultant Firm Project Manager (602) 263-5309
|
