Grand Ave/Bell Rd intersection project takes next step forward

PHOENIX — A project to improve the busy Grand Avenue (US 60) intersection at Bell Road has gained federal environmental clearance and is scheduled to begin by early 2016, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The Federal Highway Administration has reviewed and approved the Final Environmental Assessment for the Grand Avenue/Bell Road intersection improvement project. The approval includes a Finding of No Significant Impact, which means the federal agency has determined the planned improvements would not create any significant environmental impacts.

Plans call for ADOT to construct a new Bell Road bridge to travel over both Grand Avenue and the adjacent Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks. The bridge will eliminate the existing intersection where Bell Road is located on the same level with Grand Avenue and the tracks, which often causes slow traffic conditions due to signal changes and passing trains.

Grand Avenue also will connect to the new Bell Road bridge via on- and off-ramps traveling to and from Grand Avenue’s center median area.

The Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Grand Avenue/Bell Road intersection improvement project are available online. The documents also will be available for review until October 3, 2014 at the following locations:

• Surprise City Hall – 16000 N. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise
• PORA Office – 13815 Camino del Sol, Sun City West
• ADOT Environmental Planning Group – 1611 W. Jackson St., Phoenix (please call 602.712.7767 to schedule an appointment).

Questions about this and other ADOT projects can be emailed to [email protected].  ADOT’s Project Hotline is 1.855.712.8530.