Queen Creek is moving forward with 20 targeted roadway improvements aimed at easing congestion, while a larger planned overhaul of the Sossaman-Germann intersection remains on hold. The town’s newly established Transportation Department outlined these efforts to the Town Council during a September 16 meeting.
These smaller initiatives, categorized as high-impact projects, represent between $4.6 million and $7.1 million of the town’s $71 million budget allocated for road improvements in the current fiscal year.
Julian Dresang, deputy transportation manager, explained that the projects are prioritized into four tiers to enhance overall trip efficiency rather than just individual road segments. The work involves re-striping lanes to add or extend turn lanes, widening specific road sections, adjusting medians, and adding pavement.
Dresang noted that the addition of a southbound right-turn lane on Ellsworth Loop entering Rittenhouse Road has already produced significant traffic benefits. Additionally, crews are adjusting the timing of more than 90 traffic signals, including the introduction of lagging left-turn arrows, a feature common in other East Valley areas but new to Queen Creek.
Mayor Julia Wheatley commented on the visible changes, stating, "It almost seems like a luxury, like someone is reading my mind." She described the updates as a quality-of-life improvement that residents are beginning to notice. Mohamed Youssef, the Transportation Department director, emphasized the team’s focus on converting commitments into tangible results.
This meeting marked the first report from the Transportation Department since it was separated from the Public Works Department approximately one month ago.
While the smaller projects proceed, the major Sossaman-Germann intersection improvement is stalled. Dave Lipinski, director of capital projects, indicated that the town is awaiting a staff report and a public hearing from the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Union Pacific Railroad has identified several conflict points regarding the proposed changes.
