ADOT completes SR 347 interim safety improvements
In October, the Arizona Department of Transportation installed two flashing signals on State Route 347. This was the final piece of several interim improvements resulting from a 2023 Road Safety Assessment on the corridor between Interstate 10 and the northern Maricopa area.
The new flashing signals, located both north- and southbound in advance of the Riggs Road intersection, will begin flashing three seconds prior to the upcoming traffic signal turning yellow and continue flashing until the light turns back to green. This measure is intended to give drivers more time to react to the upcoming signal change in an effort to reduce the number of rear end crashes at these intersections. ADOT’s Regional Traffic Engineering group will evaluate the performance of these signals over time and further develop guidelines for their use.
These flashing signals are currently in place along US 93 north of Kingman, and at SR 87 and Fort McDowell Road. However, the new ones on SR 347 will be the first solar-powered, wireless flasher system.
Pictured left: ADOT crew completed installation of the flashers at Riggs Road.
The additional interim improvements made over the last several months include:
- Four existing median crossovers were refreshed, and a new median crossover was created for emergency vehicles.
Pictured right: A refreshed median crossover along SR 347.
Click image to enlarge.
- The following areas were re-striped to add or extend turn lanes: Queen Creek Road/I-10 interchange and intersections at Riggs Road, Casa Blanca Road, Old Maricopa Road, and Mammoth Way (also known as Cement Plant Access Road).
Pictured right: Restriped, lengthened turn lane at SR 347 and Casa Blanca Road.
Click image to enlarge.
- Speed limit signs were removed that previously reduced the speed limit from 65 mph to 55 mph approaching intersections, making the corridor 65 mph between I-10 and the city of Maricopa.
- A new signal pole and head were installed at the eastbound I-10/Queen Creek Road off-ramp to allow the signal phasing to be optimized and reduce queuing on the off-ramp.
- Traffic signal timing was adjusted, and will continue to be monitored and adjusted as needed in the future.
- Reflective signal head backplates were installed.
- Traffic signs were added or replaced at various intersections.