Traffic congestion is a continued problem experienced by anyone driving in the Queen Creek area, but the town has put in place plans to help alleviate the problem in the rapidly growing community with a current population of 68,500, according to the town.
Earlier this month, Queen Creek and Pinal County broke ground on the final stretch of Meridian Road, a future regional corridor, being extended from Queen Creek Road to Germann Road. The project, being constructed by Banicki, will include a new two-lane roadway that will connect the existing Meridian Road, south of Queen Creek Road, to the northern project that is currently under construction. The two new sections will result in Meridian Road connecting from Combs Road all the way to the State Route 24 (SR24) extension.
“We know our residents want more and improved roadways–and as a council, we continue to invest in roadway infrastructure,” Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney said.
Both new sections of Meridian Road, from Queen Creek to Germann roads and Germann Road to SR24, are joint projects with Pinal County.
“The fast-approaching completion of Meridian Road all the way to SR24 will enhance the quality of life we all strive for within the San Tan Valley/Queen Creek community,” said Supervisor Mike Goodman, Pinal County District 2.
The completion is slated to coincide with the opening of the SR24 extension later this summer, an Arizona Department of Transportation project.
The SR24 extension will provide two lanes in each direction from Ellsworth to Ironwood roads, providing major relief for Queen Creek and the region. The interim roadway will include access ramps at Williams Field, Signal Butte, Meridian and Ironwood roads. For more information, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/SR24.
Addtionally, Queen Creek roadway projects under construction are Ocotillo Road, from Signal Butte to Ironwood roads, and Chandler Heights and Power roads.
Roadway projects in design, nearing construction are Queen Creek–Ellsworth roads to Crismon Road.
The town is halfway through its 10-year infrastructure improvement plan. Since 2016, the following major roadway improvements have been completed: Rittenhouse–Sossaman roads to QC Marketplace; Sossaman and Chandler Heights intersection improvements; Ocotillo–Power roads to Recker Road; Ocotillo–Rittenhouse roads to 218th Place; Ocotillo–Heritage Loop to Ellsworth Loop; Ellsworth–Ocotillo roads to Rittenhouse Road; Ellsworth–Queen Creek roads to Germann Road; Crismon–Queen Creek roads to Germann Road; Power–Ocotillo roads to Brooks Farm; Riggs–Power roads to Meridian Road; Meridian–Cherrywood roads to Combs Road; Germann–Meridian roads to Ironwood Road; Rittenhouse Road–213th Street to Riggs Road; Signal Butte and Queen Creek roads.
As roadway improvements continue, the town's new police department asks drivers to slow down, allow extra time for travel and be courteous of motorists and work crews.
The Drive to Arrive program is this year's town resolution to focus on safe driving. Queen Creek police are asking drivers to slow down, avoid distractions and remember the following tips: Allow ample time for travel to avoid aggressive driving and speeding; turn phone to "do not disturb" or keep it in your purse/bag while driving; slow down; stop on red and use common courtesy.
"Our goal is to make drivers safe, whether they're residents or just driving through town," Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice said. "That's why our Drive to Arrive campaign has been our focus to begin with. Traffic has been of the most concern to residents and this campaign focuses on keeping people safe on the roads."
For more information about the town’s capital improvement program, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/
