Coordinating Construction is Key for our Thriving City

From navigating traffic cones, lane restrictions and planning an extra minute to get to your destination, construction in Chandler is on the rise.

The number and frequency of construction projects is an ongoing topic of my conversations with Chandler residents and businesses. I share your frustration and I see the impacts as I go on my morning run in downtown or head down Chandler Boulevard to Fashion Center.

Over the span of a year, there are hundreds of permitted projects across Chandler to improve streets, utilities and private developments. These projects are a necessary, but disruptive part of the lives of residents and businesses.

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy. Those in the service and retail industries can get hit the hardest during construction, which is why it is key to shop and eat local. As a small business owner, I know first-hand how important community support can be.

You may be thinking, "So what are you doing about it?"

We're increasingly focusing on strategies to implement these projects more effectively, while minimizing impacts on businesses, residents, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Coordinating Chandler's construction activities is a multifaceted challenge that requires planning, effective communication, traffic monitoring and innovative construction processes.

While cities are pre-empted from preventing non-city utility work, we coordinate permitted construction activities within our right-of-way. City staff hold monthly coordination meetings with contractors, developers and other agencies to avoid overlapping projects.

Traffic control plans are reviewed and monitored to ensure they are implemented and maintained correctly. These plans are reviewed and signed by developers, designers and utility companies to verify this coordination has occurred.

There are financial penalties when cuts are made to roadways that have been paved within the first six years. A holiday moratorium prevents work surrounding major retailers from the week before Thanksgiving until after New Years Day. We're also evaluating fee and permit options that offer incentives and penalties to expedite the removal of traffic barricades as construction activities are completed.

A traffic restrictions map at ChandlerAZ.gov details active construction work and we've partnered with Waze to display these activities on their app. Our traffic management center coordinates traffic signal timing and makes real-time adjustments. We monitor travel times between intersections and adjust locations where traffic flows are noticeable decreased.

The good news is that some construction projects are nearing completion. Work in downtown along Boston St. is ahead of schedule and it will open in mid-August. The parking lot behind Serrano's is reopened, while crews finish the lighting, landscaping and alley work. Construction along Chandler Boulevard and Dobson Road also progressing towards completion in September.

As Chandler continues to grow, these efforts will be crucial in maintaining the delicate balance between development and community well-being. As members of the City Council, we want to hear from residents and businesses. It's as easy as an email to [email protected] to share your suggestions and insights.