New $1.2M pedestrian projects approved by Tempe council

By Caroline Yu
Mail | X: @AzNewsmedia

Tempe City Council recently awarded a $1.2 million contract for pedestrian signal projects at Guadalupe Road and the Western Canal and at Warner Road and the Kyrene Canal, furthering the city’s multiuse path system.

Along with the main amount of $1.2 million, there is a contingency of $119,600 to cover the contract, related costs and any other future change orders.

Council unanimously voted to award the contract during its Jan. 23 meeting to SDB Inc. to install pedestrian signals at both locations after city staff had reviewed gaps at the two arterial roadway crossings.

Public works manager Decima Sever wrote in a city staff report that the review was made to ensure that pedestrians have safe crossing opportunities. After the study of both locations, it was decided that there was a need for positive traffic control at the crossings.

“City staff have recommended that pedestrian signals be installed at both locations,” Sever stated.

The project’s scope of work includes major work items like the demolition of existing median, gutter, sidewalk, pedestrian ramps and pavement.

Other items to be accomplished in this project consist of:

• New curb, gutter and sidewalk
• ADA-compliant pedestrian ramps
• A median island pedestrian refuge
• Signs and pavement markings.

Council Member Jennifer Adams shared her excitement for the project at the Jan. 23 meeting, thanking council for its support moving this initiative forward to increase public safety at those crossways.

Adams said that she really believes it will provide that added safety, especially considering that there have been incidents with vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

“I think it will really increase the safety in crossing the streets and safety should be No. 1,” Adams said.

Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines. Reporter Caroline Yu can be reached at cyu@iniusa.org

Caroline Yu
Reporter | Tempe

cyu@iniusa.org

Meet Caroline
Caroline Yu joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2020 as a summer intern covering Scottsdale. As an intern, she continued her coverage of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Tempe. After graduating in 2022, Caroline became a full-time reporter for Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. She is currently reporting for the Tempe market.  

Community:  She is a supporter of the environment and tries to get involved with related community events. 

Education: Arizona State University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications, with a minor in French. 

Random Fact: She used to be a ballet dancer for 10 years. 

Hobbies: Hiking, painting and crocheting.