Scottsdale has officially launched the Thompson Peak Parkway bridge project, marked by a groundbreaking ceremony on October 27. This initiative aims to enhance safety for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians, while improving access to neighboring communities, parks, and schools.
Project Details and Funding
The $14.2 million project will introduce a second bridge over Reata Wash, addressing a bottleneck where four lanes currently narrow to two. Once completed, Thompson Peak Parkway is set to feature four continuous travel lanes alongside dedicated bicycle lanes from Scottsdale Road to 100th Street. The new two-lane bridge will also incorporate a sidewalk for pedestrian use.
City Manager Greg Caton emphasized the project’s significance. He noted it exemplifies Scottsdale’s commitment to advancing voter-approved projects that enhance transportation services for residents.
The majority of the funding for this project is sourced from a voter-approved bond program from 2019, specifically under Question 2, which focuses on community spaces and infrastructure. Additional funding is provided by the city’s 0.2% transportation sales tax.
Construction Timeline and Initial Work
Construction is set to commence on November 2 and is anticipated to take around 12 months. Initial activities will involve salvaging and relocating native plants, identifying and possibly relocating underground utilities, and drilling support shafts for the new bridge. This work will primarily occur below the roadway in Reata Wash, allowing travel lanes to remain open during this phase.
She added that the initial construction tasks will largely be conducted beneath the roadway, facilitating the start of the project without disrupting traffic.
Historical Context and Collaboration
The new bridge fulfills a longstanding plan established during the development of the DC Ranch residential community. An agreement was made between the city and the developer to design two bridges, but only one was constructed initially due to insufficient traffic volumes at the time. The agreement stipulated that the city would build the second bridge as the area developed further.
While the existing bridge has effectively managed vehicle traffic, increased bicycle usage in the area has created a demand for a safer and more reliable crossing. The groundbreaking ceremony also highlighted the collaborative efforts between Scottsdale and DC Ranch, as well as the contributions from project teams from the city, Kimley Horn, and Ames Construction.
Source: City of Scottsdale
