Surprise residents and those passing through, take note: the city is undertaking an upgrade of traffic signals at a key intersection which may impact your late-night and early-morning travel plans. In a widely-noted announcement, the City of Surprise has shared that starting 8:30 p.m. on Friday, June 7, traffic signals at the crossroads of Bell Road and R.H. Johnson Boulevard will be out of commission as new electrical wiring is fitted, with a targeted completion of 9 a.m. the following day.
The undertaking will indeed bring overnight traffic restrictions—officers on site will replace the silent signals, orchestrating the dance of cars and trucks where technology has temporarily stepped aside. The City of Surprise cautions that Bell Road is set to be narrowed to one lane each way. Drivers will need to revise their muscle memory as all left turns at the intersection will be strictly off-limits. Those heading south on R.H. Johnson Boulevard won’t be able to do much else than make a right turn.
If you're trying to go north across Bell Road using R.H. Johnson Boulevard, you'll be rerouted to Smokey Drive, so plan accordingly. With the signals down, expect delays and allow for some extra commute time, or consider an alternate route, especially if you're night owling or getting an early start on Saturday.
Safety is paramount—risks rise when the familiar poles and lights stand unlit; officers will be guiding travelers through the intersection, managing the flow until the new signals spring to life. The upgrades represent a commitment to maintaining an efficient and safe transportation grid within the city. As the evening falls on June 7, heed the warnings, and follow the temporary signs and signals to navigate this brief disruption in the choreography of commuter life.
