Lily Leung
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 31, 2007 02:12 PM
A utility-upgrade project on part of Bell Road will begin Wednesday, closing certain lanes in the area for a month, officials said.
Bell between R.H. Johnson Boulevard and 134th Avenue will be under construction. This will result in the closure of certain eastbound and westbound inside lanes at all times for the duration of the project, which is scheduled to be done by Feb. 1.
Due to reconstruction of the medians, the westbound left turn from Bell onto Dysart Road will not be permitted.
Between 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., the westbound curb lane will periodically be closed. During these times, westbound Bell traffic will be restricted to one lane.
Surprise traffic engineers encourage motorists to use alternate routes during the monthlong project.
SURPRISE, AZ (December 24, 2008) Bell Road between R.H. Johnson Blvd. and 134th Avenue will be under construction beginning January 2, 2008. Both median (inside) lanes for east and west bound traffic will be closed 24 hours a day for the entire duration of the project, scheduled for completion February 1. The west bound left turn from Bell onto Dysart Road will not be permitted due to the reconstruction of the medians. Surprise traffic engineers will work with the contractor to minimize the duration of this west bound to south bound left turn closure and encourage motorists to use alternate routes during the month-long improvement process.Periodically, the west bound curb lane will be closed between the hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., to allow for utility crossings and concrete to be placed on the north shoulder. During these times, west bound Bell Road traffic will be restricted to one lane.The utility work is associated with future development planned near the intersection. Resident Update December 24, 2007Changes at Bell and Grand:In an effort to ease the delays on Bell, Engineering in conjunction with ADOT has been working on implementing some changes for the Bell Rd and Grand Ave (US 60) intersection. The first phase of this project took place last Sunday night (12-16) which included some re-striping of the left turns and some programming\operation changes to allow concurrent left turns for north and south bound Grand Ave. Previously these left turns had to run separately which requires significant more time to complete all turning movements. ADOT is evaluating the timing and operation of this new configuration. Once satisfied with the operation they will work with the City of Surprise to implement corridor coordination so that the green times coincide with the recently developed timing plan for Bell Road to further improve efficiency. Initial observation of PM peak shows significant improvements. Initial observation utilizing the ITS camera at this location shows that what used to be a 4-6 cycles (changing of the light) wait for a vehicle to clear the intersection at 4:00 PM is now a 1-2 cycles wait with a 1 cycle wait being quite common. This is a great improvement and engineering hopes that once the new coordination is in place it will show even more efficiency. The occasional train will continue to cause delays but the signal recovers a lot faster now when a train does pass through. Economic Development Updates::Surprise Economic Development staff is actively pursuing conference amenities for the City of Surprise. Currently, the City of Surprise has no full service hotels with large meeting spaces. Staff will be looking into the question of whether a hotel/conference center would have sufficient demand to be feasible. :Surprise Economic Development staff is actively pursuing conference amenities for the City of Surprise. Currently, the City of Surprise has no full service hotels with large meeting spaces. Staff will be looking into the question of whether a hotel/conference center would have sufficient demand to be feasible.GPEC Economic Development Directors Team Solar Task Force, of which the Surprise Economic Development Department is a participant, kicked off on December 20. The purpose of this group is to encourage participating communities in solar initiatives taking root nationally and internationally which communities like Surprise can take advantage of.Fifteen potential “green volunteers” have stepped forward and expressed interest this week in assisting with the Economic Development Department’s new Sustainability Opportunities Advisory Team. The team members will potentially assist the department in the future with both external marketing attractions of sustainable industries and internal development of green initiatives. The department is compiling names with a view to meeting with members after the New Year to assess experience levels, time availabilities, and overall fit with the City’s strategic vision. Celebrity Flag FootballThe Celebrity Flag Football Challenge that will be held during the Circle K Super Time Saturday in Surprise is officially listed on the Arizona Super Bowl XLII Community Calendar of Events and designated as an Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee recognized event. The Celebrity Flag Football Challenge that will be held during the Circle K Super Time Saturday in Surprise is officially listed on the Arizona Super Bowl XLII Community Calendar of Events and designated as an Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee recognized event. For your coverage consideration. For more information please call Melissa Miller, Recreation Manager at 623.222.2207.
SURPRISE, AZ (December 21, 2007) Need to get your hands on some Surprise Spring Training tickets? Want to know when the Dbacks or Cubs are coming to Surprise Stadium? Get all the answers you need at www.surprisespringtraining.com .The newly-designed Web site features a bold new look and includes all the information you need about the Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers and their Spring Training home- Surprise Stadium. At www.surprisespringtraining.com you will find the 2008 Spring Training schedule, ticket information, promotional day details, and specifics regarding the Coca-Cola Classic College Tournament, where Arizona State hosts college baseball teams from Portland, Michigan and Hawaii this year.Don’t forget, Spring Training tickets go on sale January 5, at 8 a.m. Individual game tickets may be purchased in person at the Surprise Stadium Ticket Office, 15960 N. Bullard Avenue, online at www.ticketmaster.com or over the phone with Ticketmaster at 480.784.4444. For more information on Spring Training in Surprise, call Community and Recreation Services at 623.222.2000 or visit www.surprisespringtraining.com .
Happy Holidays, : :: :
Lily Leung
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 14, 2007 08:25 AM
Roadwork at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Bell Road is set to begin early Sunday night and should be done by the morning rush hour Monday, officials said.
In an effort to improve traffic flow, city workers will be restriping the road and reconfiguring the timing of the left-hand turn lanes from Grand Avenue to Bell Road, City Engineer Bob Maki said.
The city is partnering with the Arizona Department of Transportation for this project.
Residents should expect intermittent lane restrictions in the left-hand turn lanes as crews restripe the road.
“With both turn lanes turning green simultaneously, the overall time for traffic stopped on Bell Road is shortened, as they no longer have to wait for northbound turn traffic to move and then wait for the southbound turn traffic to move,” Maki explained. “This change will get all traffic moving in a timelier manner.”
SURPRISE, AZ (December 11, 2007) Traffic signal improvement and restriping work is scheduled for the evening of Sunday, December 16, in the intersection of Grand Avenue and Bell Road. The city of Surprise, in conjunction with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), will reconfigure the timing of the left hand turn lanes from Grand onto Bell to direct traffic concurrently.“This will improve traffic flows in all directions,” says Surprise Engineer Dr. Robert Maki. “With both turn lanes turning green simultaneously, the overall time for traffic stopped on Bell Road is shortened, as they no longer have to wait for northbound turn traffic to move and then wait for the southbound turn traffic to move. This change will get all traffic moving in a timelier manner.”
Intermittent lane restrictions are expected in the left turn lanes from Grand onto Bell and in the intersection itself as crews perform striping work. The work is scheduled to begin in the early evening on Sunday, December 16 and be complete by the peak of the morning rush hour on Monday, December 17.
This service on the city web-site is a private company called Arizona Construction Service. Don Lovitt said that the project from Grand to Parkview was completed but could not say what the contract price was.
The question that I asked was how come the intersection at Bell & Litchfield going westbound was not repaired, he had no clue.
The Bell Road Reconstruction Plan is a four-phase project to reconstruct all lanes of Bell Road between Grand Avenue and the Beardsley Canal.
The latest news (posted Thursday, November 15, 2007):
The first phase of the Bell Road Reconstruction is substantially complete. The final touch, installation of permanent pavement markings, will be in place by Thanksgiving. When the markings are complete, the project will be officially finished, a few weeks ahead of schedule and prior to the major holiday shopping season.
The $2.5 million project created a new surface on westbound Bell from
Grand Avenue
to
Parkview Place
, a stretch of approximately 1 ¾ miles. The new surface has a life span of approximately 20 years. Engineers say it is the first time this section of Bell has received a new surface since it was originally constructed, long before it handled the traffic loads it handles today.
If you have questions or comments about phase one of Bell Road Reconstruction, please contact our 24-hour hotline at 602.264.6416
I was the one that pushed this issue; they approved $2.5 M in the 2007-2008 budget. We were told that they would do this for the next five years for a total cost of $12.5 M. this would be for both sides of Bell Rd. from Grand Ave to Beardsley Canal.
They now say from Grand Ave to the 303.
The contract appears to be completed without fixing the intersection at Bell Rd. & Litchfield on the Eastside.
Our engineering department is completely out of touch with reality. This department with one other department has not kept up with our growth.
STAFF REPORT
October 31, 2007 - 10:54AM
West Valley residents can gather information and provide ideas about planned improvements to Grand Avenue when the Arizona Department of Transportation conducts a pair of public meetings next week.
The Nov. 7 meetings will focus on the section of Grand Avenue between Loop 101 and Loop 303.
The meetings will be from 2 to 4 p.m. at Fairway Recreation Center, 10600 W. Peoria Ave., Sun City, with a presentation at 2:30, and from 6 to 8 p.m. at Valley Vista High School’s Media Center, 15550 N. Parkview Place, Surprise, with a presentation at 6:30.
The ADOT staff is working on a Grand Avenue Feasibility Study to help place priorities on construction projects to help meet the growing needs of the West Valley.
Projects recommended would be in addition to the planned widening of Grand Avenue to three continuous lanes between Loop 303 and 99th Avenue, scheduled to begin in 2009.
Other planned improvements to Grand Avenue east of 99th Avenue include widening from two to three lanes in each direction between 99th and 83rd avenues beginning next year, along with future intersection improvements and other additional work planned in later phases of the Regional Transportation Plan.
Both meetings will provide the same information. ADOT staff will give brief presentations, followed by an open house where residents can view maps and other project information.
Improvement work will close section of Litchfield and Cactus Roads in Surprise Portions of Litchfield Road and Cactus Road will be closed in Surprise as contractors begin road improvement work starting next week. From October 29 – January 4, Litchfield Road will be closed from Cactus to Waddell, to make way for waterline installation and street improvements on Litchfield.Portions of Litchfield Road and Cactus Road will be closed in Surprise as contractors begin road improvement work starting next week. From October 29 – January 4, Litchfield Road will be closed from Cactus to Waddell, to make way for waterline installation and street improvements on Litchfield.
Portions of Litchfield Road and Cactus Road will be closed in Surprise as contractors begin road improvement work starting next week. From October 29 – January 4, Litchfield Road will be closed from Cactus to Waddell, to make way for waterline installation and street improvements on Litchfield. Veramonte Residents affected by Road Closure Intersection improvements and traffic light installation will close Cactus Road from 141st Avenue to 500 feet east of the Litchfield/Cactus intersection. This closure will be in effect from November 5 – January 4. The only entry and exit point for residents living in the Veramonte community will be at 143rd Avenue at Cactus Road. LARKSPUR DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC AT LITCHFIELD ROAD DURING THE ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEDULE.Intersection improvements and traffic light installation will close Cactus Road from 141 Avenue to 500 feet east of the Litchfield/Cactus intersection. This closure will be in effect from November 5 – January 4. The only entry and exit point for residents living in the Veramonte community will be at 143 Avenue at Cactus Road. LARKSPUR DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC AT LITCHFIELD ROAD DURING THE ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEDULE.The suggested north-south detour route in the area is Bullard Avenue via Peoria and Waddell Roads
Intersection improvements and traffic light installation will close Cactus Road from 141 Avenue to 500 feet east of the Litchfield/Cactus intersection. This closure will be in effect from November 5 – January 4. The only entry and exit point for residents living in the Veramonte community will be at 143 Avenue at Cactus Road. LARKSPUR DRIVE WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC AT LITCHFIELD ROAD DURING THE ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEDULE.The suggested north-south detour route in the area is Bullard Avenue via Peoria and Waddell Roads
Sanitation Collection Route Changes Staff is completing a plan to reorganize the refuse and recycling routes for all areas of the City. No major changes have been made to the routes over the past five years. With the rapid growth in the community it is necessary to reorganize the routes for efficiency. In addition, the need to prepare for the new customers anticipated over the next few years is also a major component of the rerouting effort. The actual change in collection schedule will not occur until February 2008 but the resident education efforts will begin in late December and continue in January. The Public Works Department will be providing Council information on the program at the November 29, 2007 Council meeting.Staff is completing a plan to reorganize the refuse and recycling routes for all areas of the City. No major changes have been made to the routes over the past five years. With the rapid growth in the community it is necessary to reorganize the routes for efficiency. In addition, the need to prepare for the new customers anticipated over the next few years is also a major component of the rerouting effort. The actual change in collection schedule will not occur until February 2008 but the resident education efforts will begin in late December and continue in January. The Public Works Department will be providing Council information on the program at the November 29, 2007 Council meeting.
Staff is completing a plan to reorganize the refuse and recycling routes for all areas of the City. No major changes have been made to the routes over the past five years. With the rapid growth in the community it is necessary to reorganize the routes for efficiency. In addition, the need to prepare for the new customers anticipated over the next few years is also a major component of the rerouting effort. The actual change in collection schedule will not occur until February 2008 but the resident education efforts will begin in late December and continue in January. The Public Works Department will be providing Council information on the program at the November 29, 2007 Council meeting. Donations to Wildfire Victims in California The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army do not have any organized programs at this time, however they will, as always, accept cash donations. Our Fire Dept. recommends contacting Red Cross or Salvation Army if you want to donate and know for sure your money gets to the “first responders” in case of a disaster. (This includes animals as well).The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army do not have any organized programs at this time, however they will, as always, accept cash donations. Our Fire Dept. recommends contacting Red Cross or Salvation Army if you want to donate and know for sure your money gets to the “first responders” in case of a disaster. (This includes animals as well).
The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army do not have any organized programs at this time, however they will, as always, accept cash donations. Our Fire Dept. recommends contacting Red Cross or Salvation Army if you want to donate and know for sure your money gets to the “first responders” in case of a disaster. (This includes animals as well). The following is the latest from the AZ 2-1-1 website:
(Oct. 23, 4:20 p.m.) The wildfires raging in southern California have raised awareness and concern for people affected by the disaster. While folks have begun to open their hearts in response, which is always appreciated, they should know the best way to direct their efforts. Most importantly, people should not deploy themselves as a volunteer to California.
It’s also necessary for those people who want to help to understand a few important things:
- Locally, there is no need for volunteers at this time. If it becomes necessary, the public will be notified through the media and Arizona 2-1-1.
- There is no need for donations at this time. Unsolicited, donated goods can become a logistic problem that requires manpower to deal with. If the need for donations arises, the public will be notified through the media and Arizona 2-1-1.
- If considering donating cash, the Arizona Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster has a list of member organizations that accept such donations. To get more specific information about the volunteer process and how it works in times of disaster, call the following number:
In Maricopa County, call Make A Difference at (602) 973-2212.
Best of the West Award The City of Surprise was awarded the Best of the West Award in the Service to Communities-Health category for DreamCatcher Park at the 15th Annual Best of the West Awards Ceremony on October 25th. Additionally, the City was awarded Honorable mentions for Police & Fire Service and our Library Art Mural.
Bambino Buddy Ball Community & Recreation Services Bambino Buddy Ball has registered 51 participants and 55 buddies. 39 of the participants are Surprise Residents.Community & Recreation Services Bambino Buddy Ball has registered 51 participants and 55 buddies. 39 of the participants are Surprise Residents.
Community & Recreation Services Bambino Buddy Ball has registered 51 participants and 55 buddies. 39 of the participants are Surprise Residents. Youth Soccer and Flag Football Close to 2000 youth soccer and flag football players will complete their seasons this Saturday and participate in Family Fun Day. The day will feature trophy presentation, bouncy games and a free ice-cream sandwich for all players.Close to 2000 youth soccer and flag football players will complete their seasons this Saturday and participate in Family Fun Day. The day will feature trophy presentation, bouncy games and a free ice-cream sandwich for all players.
Close to 2000 youth soccer and flag football players will complete their seasons this Saturday and participate in Family Fun Day. The day will feature trophy presentation, bouncy games and a free ice-cream sandwich for all players. USTA Southwest Sweet 16 Tournament This weekend the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex is hosting the USTA Southwest Sweet 16 Junior Tennis Tournament. The top 16 players in each age division, 10 and under and up to 18 and under are invited to play this championship. 140 players have registered for the tournament which will be Saturday and Sunday starting at 8 am with the last matched scheduled at 5 pm both days.This weekend the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex is hosting the USTA Southwest Sweet 16 Junior Tennis Tournament. The top 16 players in each age division, 10 and under and up to 18 and under are invited to play this championship. 140 players have registered for the tournament which will be Saturday and Sunday starting at 8 am with the last matched scheduled at 5 pm both days.
This weekend the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex is hosting the USTA Southwest Sweet 16 Junior Tennis Tournament. The top 16 players in each age division, 10 and under and up to 18 and under are invited to play this championship. 140 players have registered for the tournament which will be Saturday and Sunday starting at 8 am with the last matched scheduled at 5 pm both days. West Valley Arts Council Big Read Event Community & Recreation Services and the West Valley Arts Council will be co-sponsoring the Big Read Event on Saturday, October 27th, 10 am – 2 pm. The event will include guest speakers, live music, art contests and fun activities for the kids. Community & Recreation Services and the West Valley Arts Council will be co-sponsoring the Big Read Event on Saturday, October 27, 10 am – 2 pm. The event will include guest speakers, live music, art contests and fun activities for the kids.
Community & Recreation Services and the West Valley Arts Council will be co-sponsoring the Big Read Event on Saturday, October 27, 10 am – 2 pm. The event will include guest speakers, live music, art contests and fun activities for the kids. Hallow”teen” Party and Dance Teens will have the opportunity to have their own fun while little brothers and sisters are out trick or treating. The Hallow “teen” party and dance will take place at the Sierra Montana Recreation Center on Wednesday, October 31st from 5 – 9 pm. Prizes will be awarded for scariest, funniest, most original costumes.Teens will have the opportunity to have their own fun while little brothers and sisters are out trick or treating. The Hallow “teen” party and dance will take place at the Sierra Montana Recreation Center on Wednesday, October 31 from 5 – 9 pm. Prizes will be awarded for scariest, funniest, most original costumes. The City of Surprise was awarded the Best of the West Award in the Service to Communities-Health category for DreamCatcher Park at the 15 Annual Best of the West Awards Ceremony on October 25. Additionally, the City was awarded Honorable mentions for Police & Fire Service and our Library Art Mural.Community & Recreation Services Bambino Buddy Ball has registered 51 participants and 55 buddies. 39 of the participants are Surprise Residents. Close to 2000 youth soccer and flag football players will complete their seasons this Saturday and participate in Family Fun Day. The day will feature trophy presentation, bouncy games and a free ice-cream sandwich for all players. This weekend the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex is hosting the USTA Southwest Sweet 16 Junior Tennis Tournament. The top 16 players in each age division, 10 and under and up to 18 and under are invited to play this championship. 140 players have registered for the tournament which will be Saturday and Sunday starting at 8 am with the last matched scheduled at 5 pm both days. Community & Recreation Services and the West Valley Arts Council will be co-sponsoring the Big Read Event on Saturday, October 27, 10 am – 2 pm. The event will include guest speakers, live music, art contests and fun activities for the kids. Teens will have the opportunity to have their own fun while little brothers and sisters are out trick or treating. The Hallow “teen” party and dance will take place at the Sierra Montana Recreation Center on Wednesday, October 31 from 5 – 9 pm. Prizes will be awarded for scariest, funniest, most original costumes.
Teens will have the opportunity to have their own fun while little brothers and sisters are out trick or treating. The Hallow “teen” party and dance will take place at the Sierra Montana Recreation Center on Wednesday, October 31 from 5 – 9 pm. Prizes will be awarded for scariest, funniest, most original costumes. The City of Surprise was awarded the Best of the West Award in the Service to Communities-Health category for DreamCatcher Park at the 15 Annual Best of the West Awards Ceremony on October 25. Additionally, the City was awarded Honorable mentions for Police & Fire Service and our Library Art Mural.Community & Recreation Services Bambino Buddy Ball has registered 51 participants and 55 buddies. 39 of the participants are Surprise Residents. Close to 2000 youth soccer and flag football players will complete their seasons this Saturday and participate in Family Fun Day. The day will feature trophy presentation, bouncy games and a free ice-cream sandwich for all players. This weekend the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex is hosting the USTA Southwest Sweet 16 Junior Tennis Tournament. The top 16 players in each age division, 10 and under and up to 18 and under are invited to play this championship. 140 players have registered for the tournament which will be Saturday and Sunday starting at 8 am with the last matched scheduled at 5 pm both days. Community & Recreation Services and the West Valley Arts Council will be co-sponsoring the Big Read Event on Saturday, October 27, 10 am – 2 pm. The event will include guest speakers, live music, art contests and fun activities for the kids. Teens will have the opportunity to have their own fun while little brothers and sisters are out trick or treating. The Hallow “teen” party and dance will take place at the Sierra Montana Recreation Center on Wednesday, October 31 from 5 – 9 pm. Prizes will be awarded for scariest, funniest, most original costumes.
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