US 93: Wickenburg to Santa Maria River
Location/Design Concept Study and Environmental Studies
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US 93: Wickenburg to Santa Maria River Location/Design Concept Study and Environmental Studies
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SR 89 to Wickenburg Interim Bypass Wickenburg (SR 89) to Santa Maria River
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Interim Improvement Project Feasibility Study Report, February 2000 Contents Interim Improvement Feasibility Study Interim Improvement Alternatives Sverdrup Civil, Inc. is currently under contract with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to conduct a Location/Design Concept Study regarding future improvements to US 93 from SR 74, south of Wickenburg, north to the Santa Maria River. The study includes a proposed US 93 bypass around the Town of Wickenburg to alleviate downtown traffic congestion and improve safety. It is estimated that the cost for constructing a four-lane divided highway around Wickenburg would be approximately $175 million. Even phasing the construction to provide two usable lanes as the first stage, would cost nearly $80 million. With fewer than 6,000 vpd expected to use the bypass if constructed today, investment of this magnitude is difficult to justify at this time. Also, this level of funding will not realistically be available for many years, possibly 15 to 20 or more. Therefore, US 93 traffic will continue to pass through downtown Wickenburg for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, traffic congestion along US 93 and US 60 within Wickenburg is becoming an ever-increasing issue. Of particular concern is the intersection of Wickenburg Way (US 60) with Tegner Street (US 93). Tegner Street is currently striped for one lane of traffic in each direction (north and south) with parking on both sides. Southbound US 93 traffic queues up for two or more blocks waiting to make a left turn onto Wickenburg Way at the signalized intersection. It has become a congestion problem of growing concern that cannot be put off for long. Accordingly, ADOT has asked Sverdrup to conduct a feasibility study to investigate possible ways to relieve the congestion on an interim basis until the US 93 bypass can be funded and constructed. Interim Improvement Feasibility Study The purpose of the feasibility study is to identify possible traffic operation improvement solutions that would ease the traffic congestion on US 93 in downtown Wickenburg while meeting the following general parameters for "feasibility":
Those alternatives considered feasible will be advanced to a Design Concept Study status. Each alternative will be developed and evaluated in detail and will be presented at public meetings for citizen review and input. The result of the Design Concept Study will be a recommendation for funding and implementation of the preferred alternative. Twelve possible interim improvement alternatives were identified using aerial photographs, city street maps, USGS mapping and field reconnaissance (Figure 1). In addition to the general parameters noted above, the following was taken into consideration during the developmental stage:
Each alternative was drawn, evaluated, and presented to the study Steering Committee, the Interdisciplinary Team, and the Town Council. Based on the evaluation and input from each group, Alternatives 4, 7, and 10 were selected for further evaluation. A traffic analysis was then conducted to determine what future Level of Service each alternative would provide. The results of the analysis indicated that any of the three alternatives would function satisfactorily for the next 10 to 15 years. Figure 2, Figure 3, and Figure 4 present the results of the Level of Service analysis at the key intersection for each alternative for the years 2005, 2010 and 2015. Alternative 4 was later dropped from consideration because Alternative 7 provided a similar Level of Service, cost less, did not displace existing businesses, and did not require a second bridge crossing of the Hassayampa River. However, Alternative 7 proposes reconstructing the north (westbound) bridge of the existing crossing. Alternative 7 was recommended for advancement to a Design Concept Study. The Town of Wickenburg requested that a variation of Alternative 7, identified as Alternative 13, also be included in the Design Concept Study. Alternative 10 was recommended for advancement to a Project Assessment. NOTE: An Alternative 12 was never developed for inclusion in the feasibility study. Interim Improvement Alternatives The following presents detailed descriptions of each interim improvement alternative considered during the study together with actions recommended and figures illustrating the alternative concept layout. Alternative 1 (Figure 5) This alternative begins on US 60 at MP 110.86 (at the Country Kitchen Restaurant). It proceeds northwest on an alignment that follows Jack Burden Road north of the mobile home park, then curves to the west, crosses the Hassayampa River at an approximate 40 degree skew and ties into US 93 on the north end near the APS substation. The length is 1.38 miles. Improvements include a new signalized intersection with Wickenburg Way (US 60) and El Recreo Drive, a new (signalized) intersection with North Tegner Street (existing US 93) in the vicinity of Woody’s Chevron Station and a new 1,400 foot bridge across the Hassayampa River. This alternative will require residential and commercial right-of-way acquisitions. Residential acquisitions include residences along the south ends of Constellation road and El Recreo Drive and the mobile home park in the northeast quadrant of Constellation road and Jack Burden Road. Commercial acquisitions include one or two businesses in the northeast quadrant of US 93 and properties south of the Goodyear store on US 93 and Woody’s Chevron Station. The construction of the new intersection with Wickenburg Way and El Recreo Drive will affect other businesses along the curve. The new roadway between the mobile home park and river will displace Jack Burden road and will affect several driveways to residences. The northern end of this alternative is beyond much of the commercial development between Rose Lane and the APS substation, thus bypassing these businesses. This alternative has one of the longest bridges across the Hassayampa River. Conclusions: Major impact to the mobile home park and residences on the east bank of the Hassayampa River. Extreme skewed crossing of the river across a wide flood plain resulting in a long and costly bridge and impacts to the riparian environment. Action: Eliminated from further consideration. Alternative 2 (Figure 6) This alternative begins on US 60 at MP 110.86, the same location as Alternative 1. It proceeds northwest through the trailer park, curves to the west, crosses the Hassayampa Rover at an approximate 40 degree skew and ties into existing US 93 just south of the Super 8 Motel. The length is 1.03 miles. Improvements include a new signalized intersection with Wickenburg Way (US 60) and El Recreo Drive (same as Alternative 1), a new (signalized) intersection with North Tegner (existing US 93), and a new 1,400 foot bridge across the Hassayampa River. This alternative will require residential and commercial right-of-way acquisitions. Acquisitions on the east bank of the Hassayampa River are similar to Alternative 1. Residential acquisitions include residences along the south ends of Constellation Road and El Recreo Drive, the mobile home park in the northeast quadrant of Constellation Road and Jack Burden Road and several residences south of the Super 8 Motel. Commercial acquisitions include one or two businesses in the northeast quadrant of US 93 and El Recreo Drive. Similarly to Alternative 1, some businesses along the curve will be affected. Disruption to Jack Burden road is much less than for Alternative 1. The northern end of this alternative is south of the commercial development along the northern end of US 93, thus maintaining the status quo regarding business accessibility. The 1,400 foot bridge equals that for Alternative 1 as one of the longer bridges across the Hassayampa River. Conclusions: Similar to Alternative 1, except that the bridge crossing is shorter. Action: Eliminated from further consideration Alternative 3 (Figure 7) This alternative begins on US 60 at MP 110.76 (just west of the intersection with El Recreo Drive). It proceeds westerly through McDonald’s, across the Hassayampa River at an approximate skew of 20 degrees, proceeds northerly through pasture, curves west and ties into existing US 93 just south of the Super 8 Motel (same as Alternative 2). The length is 0.97 miles. Improvements include a new signalized intersection with Wickenburg Way (US 60) and Constellation Road, a new (signalized) intersection with North Tegner (existing US 93) and a new 800 foot bridge across the Hassayampa River. The west bank bridge abutment will be near the confluence of Sols Wash/Hassayampa River. This alternative will require residential and commercial right-of-way acquisitions. Acquisitions on the west bank of the Hassayampa River are similar to Alternative 2. Residential acquisitions include several residences south of the Super 8 Motel. Commercial acquisitions include three businesses on the curve: the Exxon Station, McDonald’s and Subway. Unlike Alternatives 1 and 2, the mobile home park and other properties along the curve will not be affected. Similar to Alternative 2, this alternative maintains status quo access for those businesses on the northern end of US 93. Conclusions: Will remove three existing business establishments on US 60, requires a new four-lane bridge upstream of the existing crossing, will cost nearly $20 million including construction and R/W which is greater than several other alternatives. Action: Eliminated from further consideration. Alternative 4 (Figure 8) This alternative begins on US 60 at MP 110.86, similar to Alternative 3. It proceeds northwest, through the back side of Subway and McDonald’s, crosses the Hassayampa River at an approximate 15 degree skew, curves to the north and ties into US 93 near the Super 8 Motel (same as Alternatives 2 and 3). The length is 1.09 miles. Improvements include a new signalized intersection with Wickenburg Way (US 60 and El Recreo Drive [same as Alternatives 1 and 2]), a new (signalized) intersection with North Tegner (existing US 93 [same as Alternatives 2 and 3]) and a new 700 foot bridge across the Hassayampa River. The west bank bridge abutment is located well upstream of the confluence of Sols Wash/Hassayampa River, which is much preferred over Alternative 3. This alternative will require residential and commercial right-of-way acquisitions. Acquisitions on the west bank of the Hassayampa River are similar to Alternatives 2 and 3. Acquisitions at the south end are similar to Alternatives 1, 2 and 3. Residential acquisitions include residences along the south ends of Constellation Road and El Recreo Drive, the southern corner of the mobile home park in the northeast quadrant of Constellation Road and Jack Burden Road, several mobile homes on the east bank of the Hassayampa River and several residences south of the Super 8 Motel. Commercial acquisitions include McDonald’s and Subway. The mobile home park will be affected, but not as severely as for Alternatives 1 and 2. Similarly to Alternatives 2 and 3, this alternative maintains status quo access for those businesses on the northern end of US 93. Most of the horizontal curves for this alternative have the maximum allowed degree of curvature of 6 degrees. It may be difficult to provide sufficient superelevation runout between reversing horizontal curves. Conclusions: Similar to Alternative 3. Alternative 7 will provide an equivalent level of service at a lower cost without the need for a second bridge crossing of the river. Action: Was carried forward for further investigation at the request of the Steering Committee, then later eliminated. Alternative 5 (Figure 9) This alternative begins on US 60 at MP 112 (approximately 0.5 miles south of the Calamity Wash Bridge). The alignment curves northwest across the Hassayampa River at an approximate skew of 30 degrees, curves to the north, follows Kerkes Street, follows the west bank of the Hassayampa River behind the Community Center, curves to the west and ties into US 93 on the north near the Super 8 Motel (same as Alternatives 2, 3 and 4). The length is 2.15 miles. Improvements include a new signalized intersection with existing US 93, a new signalized intersection with US 60 at Kerkes Street, a new (signalized) intersection with North Tegner (existing US 93), a new 800 foot bridge across the Hassayampa River and a new drainage structure across Sols Wash. This alternative will require residential and commercial right-of-way acquisitions. Acquisitions at the north end are similar to Alternatives 2, 3 and 4. Residential acquisitions include several at the south end, a few on the east side of Kerkes Street south of US 60 and several south of the Super 8 Motel. Commercial acquisitions include a few along the west side of US 93 at the south end, some pasture land along the west bank of the Hassayampa River, one or two along the east side of Kerkes Street and a small mobile home park on Kerkes Street. Similarly to Alternatives 2, 3, and 4, this alternative maintains status quo access for those businesses on the northern end of US 93. Unlike Alternatives 1 through 4, this alternative does not displace any commercial properties along the curve east of the existing Hassayampa River bridges. This alternative is one of the longest alternatives. Conclusions: One of the longest and more costly alternatives with serious impacts to the riparian environment along the Hassayampa River. Action: Eliminated from further consideration. Alternative 6 (Figure 10) This alternative is a couplet version of Alternative 5, using the same alignment for the northbound portion of the couplet. The southbound portion of the couplet uses an extension of South Tegner Street from the intersection with US 60 south for about 0.75 mile. The southerly ¾ mile will carry traffic in both directions. The length is 2.15 miles. The typical section is a five-lane urban section (UB) for the southern portion. The couplet portions will be two lane sections. Improvements include a new signalized intersection with existing US 93, a new signalized intersection with US 60 with the northbound couplet at Kerkes Street, re-striping US 93 north of the existing intersection at US 60/US 93 to Rose Lane, a new 800 foot bridge across the Hassayampa River and a new drainage structure across Sols Wash. There are some important issues concerning the feasibility of this alternative. One is that the existing highway north of Sols Wash is a five-lane curb and gutter section which is too wide to serve as half of a one-way couplet. Another is that the southbound couplet on South Tegner passes through a residential neighborhood that will be impacted by an increase in traffic. A third issue is that the couplet is nearly 1 1/3 miles long, with only one or two connecting streets between the couplet halves. Acquisitions for right-of-way for this alternative are similar to Alternative 5. Additional right-of-way will be needed along South Tegner for the southbound couplet, possibly through the residential neighborhood just south of US 60. Similarly to Alternative 5, this alternative maintains status quo for tourist businesses along US 93. This alternative has the longest amount of roadway of any alternative. Conclusions: Similar to Alternative 5 with the additional disadvantage of the southbound leg of the couplet passing through a school zone and residential area. Action: Eliminated from further consideration. Alternative 7 (Figure 11) Alternative 7 is the same as the north half of Alternative 5 from US 60 to the north end connection to US 93. The south end will be a signalized intersection, with southbound US 93 traffic having to make a left turn to continue south on US 93. A geometric analysis will be needed to determine if dual left turns (southbound to eastbound) can be accommodated. A capacity analysis of this intersection will be needed to determine that it will sufficiently carry the traffic load until the ultimate improvements are completed. This alternative could provide a least- cost solution. The length is 0.85 miles. Improvements include a new signalized intersection at Kerkes Street, a new (signalized) intersection with North Tegner (existing US 93), reconstruction of the existing west bound bridge over the Hassayampa River to three lanes, and a new crossing of Sols Wash. This alternative will require residential right-of-way acquisitions. Acquisitions at the north end are similar to Alternatives 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Total right-of-way acquisitions are less than any other alternative except Alternative 10. This alternative has the least impact on commercial businesses along US 60 and US 93. Similarly to Alternatives 5 and 6, a new crossing at Sols Wash is needed. This alternative has the shortest amount of new roadway of any alternative. Conclusions: Considered a feasible alternative. Action: Advance to a Design Concept Study. Alternative 8 (Figure 12) This alternative is a couplet version of Alternative 7 using the existing highway for southbound traffic and the new roadway for northbound traffic. The typical section for both roadways would be two lanes. However, the critical turning movement at the existing intersection with US 60 and US 93 does not change. A geometric analysis is needed to determine if dual left turn lanes for southbound to eastbound traffic can be developed. If they cannot be developed, then this alternative will not provide sufficient capacity and safety to serve as a feasible interim solution until the ultimate improvements are complete. Conclusions: This couplet configuration was considered undesirable and non-functional for local business establishments desiring a simpler and easier traffic circulation pattern for tourists. Action: Eliminate from further consideration. Alternative 9 (Figure 13) This alternative is a variation of Alternative 6 using the south end and the Tegner Street portion to carry two-way traffic. However, even with removing the on-street parking on US 93 north of the US 60 intersection, there is insufficient width to accommodate a five-lane urban section and all of the desirable turn lanes at the intersection. Therefore, the capacity and safety of the intersection may not substantially improve, especially if a large number of southbound vehicles continue to make left turns at the existing intersection. Also, South Tegner Street is narrow and lined with single residences. Widening this portion of Tegner to a five-lane urban section will be costly and will disrupt the residences along the street. Conclusions: This alternative will result in serious impacts to the riparian environment at its crossing of the Hassayampa River and will pass through a school zone and residential area. Action: Eliminated from further consideration. Alternative 10 (Figure 14) This alternative reconstructs the intersection of US 93 and US 60 in downtown Wickenburg. On-street parking is removed from both sides of US 93 from north of the intersection to the south side of Yavapai Street. Also, on-street parking on the south side of US 60 east of the intersection is removed between Tegner and Valentine Street. The US 93 leg of the intersection is held to the existing width, but the lanes are reconfigured to one lane northbound along the east curb, two left turn lanes and one lane southbound along the west curb. The east leg of the intersection is held to the existing width, but the eastbound lanes are reconfigured to a 14’ inside lane and a 16’ curb lane. The wider lanes are required to accommodate the dual left turns. The curb and gutter and sidewalk along the curve in the northeast quadrant must be moved back to accommodate right turning trucks. As needed, the traffic signal must be revamped to control the dual left turns. This is the least costly of all alternatives and could be placed in service in 1 to 2 years. Conclusions: Considered a feasible alternative. Action: Advance to Project Assessment. Alternative 11 (Figure 15) This alternative was suggested by members of the Town Council. It begins on US 60 south of the AmericInn. The alignment curves behind the AmericInn, crosses Calamity Wash, traverses behind the commercial development along US 60, curves behind the residential development along Constellation Road, traverses north of the mobile home park in the northeast quadrant of Jack Burden Road and Constellation Road, crosses the Hassayampa River and ties into US 93 near the Super 8 Motel. This alternative does not directly impact the businesses along US 60 but would result in a visual scar to the landscape adjacent to US 60 and impair access to properties in the foothills northeasterly of US 60. It would also be the most costly of all alternatives. Conclusions: This alternative is the most costly and will result in serious impacts to existing residential communities and will create a visual scar across the landscape adjacent (easterly) to US 60. Action: Eliminate from further consideration. Alternative 12 (omitted) Alternative 13 (Figure 16) This alternative was added to the study at the request of the Town of Wickenburg (letter dated October 28, 1999). It is a combination/variation of Alternatives 4 and 7, intended to be more consistent with the Town’s long-range traffic circulation plan of eventually having a loop around the Town of Wickenburg (Figure 17). The concept would also move the traffic route away from the community center and the downtown area by constructing a new bridge over the Hassayampa River. An evaluation of this alternative has not been prepared. However, it was agreed that the alternative would be advanced to the Design Concept Study stage along with Alternative 7. Conclusions: Considered a feasible alternative. Action: Advance to Design Concept Study.
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