Subject: Weekend closures and other transit news from the Metro Area Date: Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:01 PM Transit News - In This Issue: 1. Limited work on Valley freeways this weekend; Most drivers will find open highways through July 4th 2. ADOT identifies preferred South Mountain Freeway connection to Interstate 10 in southwest Valley 3. ADOT hosts public meeting in Goodyear for Loop 303 extension south of I-10 4. Queen Creek Becomes Valley Metro Member 5. Valley Metro Offers New Bus Service from Glendale to Wickenburg 6. New Bus Book available July 17 -- Service changes to take effect July 24 7. Valley Metro Wins Gold in EPA's Race to Excellence 8. METRO traffic restrictions update _____ Limited work on Valley freeways this weekend; Most drivers will find open highways through July 4th The Fourth of July weekend will bring with it a break from most state highway work around Arizona. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) says nearly all of its contractors will suspend project work between Friday afternoon and July 5. The lone exception on Phoenix area freeways is early morning work Saturday and Sunday along the Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) in the West Valley. Crews are working to complete the new Maryland Avenue bridge over the freeway in time for the opening of the Arizona Cardinals Stadium in August. Here is the weekend work schedule: * Southbound Loop 101 (Agua Fria) closed between Glendale Ave. and Camelback Rd. from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday for bridge work. Northbound Loop 101 narrowed to one lane in the same area. Traffic will be detoured along 91st or 99th avenues while the early morning restrictions are in place. * Northbound Loop 101 (Agua Fria) closed between Camelback Rd. and Glendale Ave. from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Sunday for bridge work. Southbound Loop 101 narrowed to one lane in the same area. Traffic again will be detoured along 91st or 99th avenues while the restrictions are in place. ADOT urges all drivers to concentrate on safe driving over the extended July 4th weekend. Please buckle up and give yourself extra travel time if you are heading out on an extended trip. Be prepared for unscheduled highway closures by bringing extra drinking water and snacks along on the trip. Never drink and drive. For updates on highway and freeway restrictions around Arizona, visit ADOT's Travel Information Site at www.az511.com or call 5-1-1. _____ ADOT identifies preferred South Mountain Freeway connection to Interstate 10 in southwest Valley The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) today identified an alignment that would connect with Interstate 10 at 55th Avenue as the "preliminary preferred build alternative" for the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway. ADOT, after having consulted with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), evaluated multiple alignments for the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway in the southwest Valley that would link the regional freeway with I-10 at 55th Avenue, 71st Avenue or Loop 101. The 55th Avenue Alternative was identified as the preliminary preferred build option after comparing each of the South Mountain Freeway alternatives in terms of addressing regional transportation needs, consistency with regional and long-range planning, environmental and societal impacts, traffic operational efficiencies, estimated costs and regional and public support. "The 55th Avenue Alternative was the best option for balancing regional transportation needs with our responsibilities to be fiscally responsible and sensitive to the potential impacts to local communities," said ADOT Director Victor Mendez. "The regional support for the 55th Avenue Alternative, its consistency with regional and local plans and the fact it would result in fewer community and economic impacts than other South Mountain Freeway alternatives were factors in our decision." This announcement does not represent the final decision. However, a change to the "preliminary preferred build alternative" in the southwest Valley would only occur if substantial new information pertinent to the selection process were discovered. The final decision will come at the conclusion of the environmental process for the entire South Mountain Freeway and the issuance of a Record of Decision. "The traffic operational advantages of the Loop 101 Alternatives would not provide enough of a regional benefit to outweigh its higher number of residential displacements, higher estimated project costs and severe economic impacts to the City of Tolleson," said Mendez, when comparing the Loop 101 and 55th Avenue Alternatives. The 71st Avenue Alternative was less desirable than other options because it would result in the highest impact and relocation of residential properties (approximately 775 homes) and lacked the regional and public support other South Mountain Freeway alternatives received. The South Mountain Freeway represents the southwestern leg of the Loop 202 freeway system that was originally planned in the mid-1980s. The South Mountain Freeway is part of a regional freeway system approved for funding by Maricopa County voters under Proposition 300 in 1985 and again under Proposition 400 in 2004. The current environmental study for the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway began in summer 2001 to allow federal funding to be used to build the freeway in the future. ADOT has worked with FHWA through the study process to narrow the number of considered options in an effort to determine the future alignment of the South Mountain Freeway. At one point, the study included more than 30 suggested alignments. The identification of a "preliminary preferred build alternative" in the southwest Valley is independent of a decision about the East - West portion of the freeway. That decision is expected to occur in the fall of 2007 in conjunction with the release of the Final Environmental Impact Statement covering the entire South Mountain Freeway. Additionally, this announcement also does not preclude the No Action Alternative for the South Mountain Freeway from being considered in the environmental study and ultimately selected as the final decision for the South Mountain Freeway. _____ ADOT hosts public meeting in Goodyear for Loop 303 extension south of I-10 A study of the proposed extension of the Loop 303 Freeway south of Interstate 10 will be the topic of a public meeting in Goodyear tomorrow night (Thursday night). The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) says residents can learn about the environmental study for the proposed segment of Loop 303 between I-10 and the future State Route 801 , a new east/west freeway in the southwest Valley planned to provide an alternative to Interstate 10. What: Loop 303 Environmental Study When: Thursday, June 29 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Where: City of Goodyear Desert Edge High School Cafeteria 15778 West Yuma Road A brief presentation will occur at 6:15 p.m. to provide an overview of the environmental study. The meeting will discuss the process to evaluate potential routes for the Loop 303 extension, project schedule and the types of issues to be considered during the study process. The study area for this section of Loop 303 extends from I-10 south to the Gila River. The new freeway corridor is part of the Valley's Regional Transportation Plan with funding approved by voters through the passage of Proposition 400. _____ Queen Creek Becomes Valley Metro Member PHOENIX (June 29, 2006) - The Queen Creek Town Council voted earlier this month to join Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority (RPTA), the regional transportation agency that provides regional bus and Dial-a-Ride service for Maricopa County residents and visitors. Valley Metro also promotes the use of alternative modes of transportation and provides a vanpool program and online carpool matching. As a member, the Town of Queen Creek will be incorporated into current transportation studies and will receive assistance from the RPTA in future operations and planning of bus service. Mayor Art Sanders will represent the Town of Queen Creek on the Valley Metro Board of Directors. According to Queen Creek Town officials, they are interested in exploring express bus service to downtown Phoenix to assist commuters. "Because of rapid growth in and around the Town of Queen Creek in the last few years, traffic issues have become our number one concern," states Mayor Sanders. "We are always looking for opportunities and possibilities that will help our traffic flow better. Valley Metro offers alternatives to the way most of us currently commute to work. With the price of fuel continuing to climb, we must look for solutions that will help our traffic and our pocket books. The Town will continue to make great strides to improve our roadways and reduce congestion on our streets. We are honored to become a member of Valley Metro and look forward to working with them." Future models show that unless effective programming is put into place, traffic in Queen Creek is going to continue to become problematic. The partnership with Valley Metro will help alleviate congestion on Town of Queen Creek roads and provide useful alternatives to Town residents. The Town's membership with Valley Metro will allow the community to be part of planning discussions and program coordination, as well as provide the Town opportunities to utilize RPTA resources and vote on future transit decisions. Valley Metro is the brand name for the 13 local governments that have joined to fund the Valleywide transit system that residents see on the streets today. The name, Valley Metro, was adopted as the identity for the regional transit system in the greater Phoenix area in 1993. With passage of Proposition 400 by Maricopa County voters in November 2004, the transit portion of the Regional Transportation Plan will provide $5 billion in transportation improvements over the next 20 years. For more about Valley Metro, go to www.ValleyMetro.org or call (602) 262-7433 (RIDE). _____ Valley Metro Offers New Bus Service from Glendale to Wickenburg PHOENIX (June 28, 2006) - Wickenburg welcomes Valley Metro bus service and its first new bus service to town on Monday, July 24. As part of the Regional Transportation Plan's (RTP) commitment to expand transit service, the regional connector route-Route 660--will offer service for residents of Wickenburg and people who travel from the north Glendale and Surprise areas. "Transit will be good for folks in this town who need to access services not available here," said Town of Wickenburg Mayor Ron Badowski. "It's difficult for some of our older residents to get places, so this is a great opportunity for our community." The route will serve as a transportation service for people who need to make doctor visits, social visits, go to work or seek travel to entertainment venues. Route 660 will assist people who need transportation or make regular trips to either destination and it will help save on fuel costs. Three round trips per weekday will be offered on Route 660 with four fixed stops located at Arrowhead Towne Center in Glendale, Surprise Municipal Offices, Wickenburg Municipal Complex and the West Plaza on Vulture Mine Road and West Wickenburg Way in Wickenburg. As the 20-passenger van travels along its route, the driver will also announce points of interest and history of the Wickenburg area. In addition to the fixed stops, flexible stops are available with advance notice. Riders should call in by noon the day before a scheduled trip and the rider can be picked up at a safe stop located up to three-fourths of a mile from the route. This service is available to passengers that are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) certified, as well as the general public. Route 660 is part of the Regional Transportation Plan and is funded by public transportation funds from a half-cent sales tax passed in November 2004 by Maricopa County voters. Fares range from $1.25 to $3.00 depending upon the boarding and destination points. To schedule a trip for travel on or after July 24, call 1-800-713-3809. All Valley Metro route information can be viewed at www.valleymetro.org or by calling (602) 253-5000. Route and Schedule Information Westbound Arrowhead Towne Center Surprise Municipal Offices Wickenburg Municipal Complex West Plaza, Wickenburg 5:30 AM 5:50 AM 6:40 AM 7:00 AM 9:45 AM 10:20 AM 11:10 AM 11:30 AM 3:00 PM 3:35 PM 4:25 PM 4:45 PM Eastbound West Plaza, Wickenburg Wickenburg Municipal Complex Surprise Municipal Offices Arrowhead Towne Center 7:30 AM 7:50 AM 8:40 AM 9:15 AM 12:00 PM 12:20 PM 1:10 PM 1:45 PM 5:15 PM 5:35 PM 6:25 PM 7:00 PM _____ New Bus Book available July 17 -- Service changes to take effect July 24 PHOENIX - The latest edition of the Bus Book will be hitting the streets July 17 with service changes effective July 24. In addition to route maps and schedules, the latest publication offers an inside look into Valley Metro. In keeping with the "Valley Metro Serving You" theme, this Bus Book puts a face to the Valley Metro organization by featuring photos and quotes from front line employees providing the service every day. The new Bus Book also features information on improvements to Route 72 as well as the new Route 660 with service to Wickenburg. These additions mark the first improvements funded by Proposition 400 and the Regional Transportation Plan. Valley commuters can get their free copy of the new bus book at local transit centers, city and county offices, and Valley libraries, as well as on the bus. The updated bus book also provides tips for riding the bus and how to read bus schedules. For added convenience, major route changes are outlined inside the front cover. Information is provided in both English and Spanish, and riders are asked to keep it as a reference. Changes effective Monday, July 24: - Route 660 - Wickenburg Regional Connector New regional service to and from Wickenburg and Arrowhead Towne Center in Glendale with stops in Surprise - Reinstate weekday service to around midnight in Phoenix Routes 7, 16, 17, 19, 24, 35, 41, 50, 56, 61, 106, 170 - Increased frequency Route 45, 56, 61, 72, 571 - Route changes Route 7, 24, 59, 66, 70, 72, 81, 136, 156, 170 - Additional trips into Scottsdale Green, Route 17, 41, 66, 81, 170 - Child accompaniment policy Children under the age of eight must be accompanied by a responsible person. Riders can plan their trips using Valley Metro's online Custom Trip Planner at www.ValleyMetro.org. The Custom Trip Planner offers riders a customized itinerary for their travels - with options for the fastest route, fewest number of transfers or shortest walking distance between bus stops. For more information on the new bus book or Custom Trip Planner, please contact Transit Information at (602) 253-5000; for callers with TTY (602) 261-8208; or visit www.ValleyMetro.org . _____ Valley Metro Wins Gold in EPA's Race to Excellence PHOENIX (June 28, 2006) - For the second year in a row, Valley Metro was selected as a Gold Winner in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Race to Excellence. The EPA recognizes the efforts and achievements of outstanding Best Workplaces for Commuters Network Members and Employer Representatives and Employee Transportation Coordinators through the Race to Excellence. The Race is a challenge that encourages and recognizes dedicated professionals and agencies throughout the country who promote commuter benefits, transportation choices, and the Best Workplaces for Commuters designation in their workplaces and throughout their local communities. Valley Metro's commute trip reduction efforts are well documented through the Maricopa County Trip Reduction Program, which requires employers of 50 or more to fulfill requirements of the annual trip reduction plan. Valley Metro encourages employers to apply for the Valley of the Sun Best Workplaces for CommutersSM list. There are currently 104 employers on the list and the goal this year is to increase that amount by 30% increase, or 31 additional employers. To learn more about being a Valley of the Sun Best Workplaces for CommutersSM go to www.bwc.gov and look under "Do I Qualify?" before August 30. The EPA will present the Race to Excellence awards at the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT) International Conference in Boston, Massachusetts on August 27 - 30, 2006. _____ METRO traffic restrictions update Phoenix, Ariz. - The METRO light rail system will be under construction through December 2008, when it will begin carrying passengers. Construction crews are working hard to minimize impacts on traffic. When completed, the METRO light rail line will cover 20 miles through the cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa. All restrictions and dates are tentative and are subject to change. For more information visit the METRO Web site at www.valleymetro.org/rail and click on the construction icon. PHOENIX LINE SECTION 1 New restrictions ( None ) Upcoming restrictions Camelback Rd. and 15th Ave. Sewer Installation One lane opening each direction Begins June 30, end date not yet set 3rd Ave. between Camelback and Mariposa Traffic and street light installation Street closure June 29 Ongoing restrictions Camelback Rd between 19th Ave. & Central Ave. Utility work, water installation Lane restrictions will move as work progresses Thru mid-August 7th Ave. & Camelback Utility work One lane open in each direction No end date set yet 19th Ave from Camelback to Montebello Waterline installation One lane open in each direction Thru November 2006 LINE SECTION 2 New restrictions Central Ave. from Encanto to McDowell Light rail work One lane open southbound; Two lanes northbound Thru November 2006 Ongoing restrictions Central Ave from Camelback to Osborn Light rail work One lane in each direction Thru November 2006 Central Ave from Camelback to Encanto Light rail work Side streets subject to alternating closures Thru November 2006 LINE SECTION 3 New restrictions East half of Central Ave at Jefferson Guideway construction One lane open between Jefferson & Madison on northbound Central Ave. July 5 thru mid August Upcoming restrictions Central at Washington Guideway construction Northbound traffic on Central closed; westbound traffic on Washington open July 5 to end of August Central Avenue between Monroe and Washington Central Avenue will be reduced to one lane Thru Aug. 4 Ongoing restrictions Van Buren between 1st Ave. & 1st Street. METRO contractor work One lane in each direction; no northbound turns on Central from eastbound Van Buren Thru mid July West half of Central Ave at Jefferson Guideway construction Two lanes open northbound on Central Ave. Thru July 5 Central Ave at Adams Prep for track installation No WB turns onto Adams from Central Ave. Local traffic only between 1st Ave and Central. Ends mid August PHOENIX / TEMPE LINE SECTION 4 New Restrictions Washington from 51st St. to 56th Place Guideway construction & 54th Place intersection replacement One lane in each direction traffic moves to south portion of Washington; only right hand turns allowed 48th St. & Washington Northbound traffic closed; southbound traffic closed (local access only) June 28 from 5 a.m. to June 30 at 7 p.m. Upcoming restrictions Washington at SR 143 Eastbound traffic cannot go north on SR 143; westbound traffic cannot go south on SR 143 Begins July 5. End date not yet set SR 143 at Washington St. Southbound exit ramp at Washington closed eastbound. Northbound exit ramp at Washington closed to westbound right of way. Being July 5. End date not yet set . Ongoing restrictions Washington between 40th & Loop 202 Freeway Grand Canal Bridge construction, guideway and re-construction of intersections One lane in each direction End date not yet set 48th St. & Washington Light rail work One lane in each direction; no left turns off of Washington End date not yet set Washington from Center Parkway to 36th St. Light rail work One lane in each direction End date not yet set TEMPE / MESA LINE SECTION 5 New restrictions Apache Blvd. from McClintock to Terrace Road One lane in each direction Thru July 15. Ongoing restrictions University Drive at McAllister Light rail work One lane in each direction Ends June 30 Third Street from Ash to Mill Ave. Light rail work Road closed; local traffic only Thru July 1 Veteran's Way between College Ave and University Drive Light rail work Road closed Thru Aug 15 Rural Rd between University Drive and Terrace Rd Utility relocation One lane each direction Ends Aug 4 Terrace Rd. between Lemon and Apache Light rail work NB Terrace closed Ends July 4 Apache Blvd from Tempe Canal Bridge to Loop 101 Utility relocation One lane each direction Ends July 28 Apache Blvd at Tempe Canal Bridge Light rail work One lane each direction Ends Nov 30 Apache between Terrace & McClintock Rail work & utility relocation One lane each direction Ends July 23 University Drive at Loop 101 Light rail work Entrance to SB Loop 101 at University is closed Thru Spring 2007 Main Street in Mesa, between Roosevelt and Dobson Rd. Utility relocation One lane eastbound Thru July 7