Signals & Stops: How the City of Maricopa Determines Where They Go
Published on May 30, 2024
In recent weeks the city of Maricopa converted two one-way stops into all-way stops and is slated to install a brand-new traffic signal on Honeycutt Road. They are all changes or upgrades needed to ensure proper traffic flow and safety of drivers and pedestrians.
However, the question we get most from residents in light of these projects is what really goes into deciding where they go or what existing traffic signals or stop signs get an upgrade? Additionally, how do we get a new one in our neighborhood?
We asked our public works department and here’s what they had to say:
“The city of Maricopa follows the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or MUTCD, a code that is adopted by the state of Arizona,” says Scott Nodes, Maricopa’s Traffic Engineer. “That code sets a standard for the criteria we have to consider when placing a traffic signal or stop sign.”
Nodes says there are three main elements that are looked at. They include the type of street, observation data, crash and traffic flow data, as well as landmarks in the surrounding area that impact the usage of an intersection.
If the proper criteria are met, then it can be added to Maricopa’s Capital Improvement Project Plan.
Type of Street
There are three main types of roadways in Maricopa: Residential, Collector and Arterial. Residential is a roadway traditionally lined with homes. While a Collector Street does just that, collects and brings other roadways together and moves traffic to the arterial or high-capacity roadways.
Examples of a collector street include Rancho Mirage Blvd or Butterfield Pkwy, and examples of an arterial road include Smith Enke, Honeycutt Rd and John Wayne Parkway.
“Categorizing the type of roadway is important because it determines what other criteria must be met in order to place a stop sign or traffic signal,” Nodes explains.
A Data Driven Decision
He says in order to see if the established criteria are met, he begins collecting data. This includes working with the police department to collect data on crashes that could be avoided with the addition of a new traffic control pattern, as well as traffic flow and average everyday usage data.
“I also go a step further and drive every single leg of an intersection.” Nodes says. “I want to know if there are any blind spots drivers face when trying to move through the intersection or are there long periods of waiting in one direction versus another.”
Understanding the Surrounding Area
With the usage data in hand, Nodes also says he has to take into account the surrounding area. For example, at the intersection of Butterfield Parkway and Edison there is not only a residential community that people walk around, but also a large shopping center nearby as well as an elementary school. This can lead to peak traffic hours and additional pedestrians, all impacting the decision for the recent intersection upgrade.
How Are New Intersections Selected?
Intersections needing a new traffic signal or stop signs are identified in two ways: proactively by the city as traffic and development in an area grows or through submissions by community members.
“By working closely with residents and continuously monitoring traffic patterns, we ensure that our intersections remain safe and efficient for everyone. Community input is invaluable in this process, and we encourage citizens to report concerns or suggestions,” Keith Brown, Maricopa’s Public Works Director says.
Residents can submit a report for intersections, potholes or any other concerns
here.