Queen Creek’s first collector roundabout opens

Queen Creek this week opened the town’s first collector roundabout and an accompanying road extension.

The roundabout is located at Crismon and Cloud roads, tying in the extension of Crismon Road from Cloud to Riggs roads.

“As a council, we understand that traffic continues to be a concern for our community,” Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley stated in a town press release. “Our traffic engineering team evaluated the options to help improve traffic around our newest high school, and we are excited to open this new stretch of roadway and our first roundabout on a collector roadway ahead of the school year.”

Roundabouts are evaluated based on current and future traffic volume and right of way. They can improve safety and reduce congestion. The Federal Highway Administration notes that roundabouts reduce the severity of crashes, the press release continued.

The Crismon Road connection from Riggs to Cloud roads and the roundabout are expected to enhance traffic flow in the area, particularly on Riggs and Cloud roads during school start and release times.

Crismon High School, 21942 E. Riggs Road, will be welcoming back students on July 21, along with the rest of the Queen Creek Unified School District schools.

When using roundabouts, the Arizona Department of Transportation has these tips for drivers:

• Never merge - Motorists already in the roundabout have the right of way. Wait for a gap in traffic, then carefully proceed into the roundabout.
• Slow down - Approach the roundabout at a reduced speed, typically 15 mph.

The project was designed by Ardurra and constructed by Achen-Gardner Construction. Cindy Barnes, the Jorde Family and Hastings Farms dedicated the right of way for the project.