This roadway provides important connectivity to our southeastern area of town and our neighbors in San Tan Valley.”

Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney

Improvements to Rittenhouse Road continue as one of the town’s major roadways is widened to two lanes in each direction.

In order to widen Rittenhouse Road, the bridge over the Queen Creek Wash had to be removed and reconstructed. The roadway and bridge are being completed as two projects to increase efficiencies while maintaining costs, according to a release.

The new bridge, a partnership with Maricopa County, was recently completed, with two lanes in each direction, sidewalk, bike lanes and a center median. The bridge also includes an 11-barrel concrete box culvert to accommodate rain events. Access for trail users is provided under Rittenhouse Road, an important safety component.

“This roadway provides important connectivity to our southeastern area of town and our neighbors in San Tan Valley,” Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney said in the release. “Road improvements can be inconvenient, but we appreciate the community’s patience as we make this important infrastructure investments. And I would like to thank Maricopa County for their continued partnership - this project would not have been possible without their support.”

Maricopa County Department of Transportation completed the design of the bridge and Maricopa County shared the cost of the bridge improvements. Haydon Building Corp completed the construction.

“I’m extremely proud to see the completion of another project where the Ccounty and Town worked together,” Maricopa County Supervisor Jack Sellers said in the release. This will provide greater connectivity for the residents of Queen Creek, Maricopa County and Pinal County. As this area grows, we will continue to work together to meet our residents’ needs.”

The Rittenhouse Road improvements from Riggs Road to 213th Street are anticipated to be complete by the end of 2020. The recent closure of Rittenhouse from Riggs to Cloud expedited a number of project elements, shortening the overall project timeframe.

In addition to widening the roadway, the project includes right-turn lanes at intersections, bike lanes, intersection upgrades – including realigning the Cloud Road intersection, utility upgrades and widening over the spur crossing north of Riggs Road. The current improvements were designed by Kimley-Horn with construction being completed by DCS Contracting, the release states.

As roadway improvements continue, slow down, allow extra time for travel and be courteous of motorists and work crews. To receive weekly traffic alerts, sign up for eNotifications on the town’s website.

For more information about the town’s capital improvement program, go to QueenCreek.org/BetterRoadsAhead. To stay updated on news and events follow the town on Facebook @QueenCreek and Twitter @TownofQC.