This 2.5-mile section of SR89 is the only remaining two-lane section of the roadway between SR69 and the northern border of Chino Valley. 
The main and immediate reason for the project is the construction of sewer infrastructure improvements along SR89, between the two roundabouts. With the construction of the sewer line, the roadway will have to be rebuilt. While the focus of the project is upgrading sewer mains to centralize the wastewater treatment processes at the Airport Water Reclamation Facility, we also have the opportunity to improve access and safety at intersections, reduce traffic congestion, provide for more efficient evacuation routes and improve the ride quality for motorists.
This 2.5-mile section of SR89 is the only remaining two-lane section of the roadway between SR69 and the northern border of Chino Valley. Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization (CYMPO) identified this as the highest priority expansion project for their 2045 Regional Transportation Plan. The average daily traffic count for this corridor is 18,429 vehicles per day. Therefore, the Level of Service (LOS) rating for this section of SR89 is currently an E/F for handling traffic congestion during peak hours. This means traffic is congested, irregular and approaching gridlock with traffic jams in the early morning and late afternoons. It’s projected that the LOS will deteriorate to a rating of F by 2030, making traffic even worse.
Such traffic delays and congestion will cause the traveling public to seek alternate routes such as Willow Creek Road, Pioneer Parkway and Williamson Valley Road, contributing to increased traffic congestion and delays on those routes.
Continued residential and commercial development in Deep Well Ranch, planned development by Arizona Eco Development along the Pioneer Parkway/SR 89A corridor and the entrance to the newly proposed nature center and Glassford Dells Regional Park will impact this corridor. Traffic volumes will significantly increase in the years to come. We must prepare now for future transportation needs.
The greatest area of concern about this project so far is centered around a quarter- to half- mile stretch of this project. The proposal includes four lanes, with a center turn lane or median. This means that a roadway of approximately 75 feet in width is needed. In the narrowest sections, where the dells come very close to the current roadway, we have about 45 feet of width. This means a total of about 15 to 18 feet of additional width on each side of the existing roadway is needed. While the exact widening method has not been established, modern rock removal measures include drilling and controlled blasting along the naturally occurring fracture lines within the rocks. This project will not require condemnation of private property and there will be no loss of trails or recreational amenities.
The project is still in the early stages of development. There is no formal design in place, but a conceptual layout has been produced to illustrate the potential roadway improvements being considered. The city is committed to an open and transparent dialogue as we plan this project.
There is a link on the city website, or you can go directly to SR89Improvements.com, where citizens can see additional information and take a survey to share their opinions and concerns. There will also be a series of public meetings to review and approve plans and budgeting for project costs. We invite you to continue to stay informed, voice your concerns and attend future public meetings when they are scheduled, as we plan for Prescott’s future. QCBN
By Phil Goode, QCBN
Phil Goode is the mayor of Prescott.
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