Chandler is ramping up its bike-friendliness with the Frye Road Protected Bike Lane project, which just got the green light from the city council. This new path, a stretch of safety and connectivity, promises to bolster the city's transportation network. The Chandler City Council has penned agreements with Consultant Engineering, Inc. for management services and Granite Construction Company to lay the groundwork, confirming support for this much-anticipated initiative.
Thanks to federal grant funding, this project isn’t just about laying down new pavement; it’s a complete streetscape overhaul. It will not only improve the existing bike lanes but also connect neighborhoods to schools, downtown Chandler, and the Paseo Trail System. Now, I know what you're thinking: will they be tearing up roads and adding to the daily traffic grind? Mayor Kevin Hartke addressed those concerns. In a statement from Chandler's official news center, he said, "This is an exciting project — a first of its kind in Chandler. It will create a more comfortable biking environment for an array of users without removing any vehicular lanes."
The move to make Chandler a more bike-friendly spot has been percolating since the city's Transportation Master Plan gathered community feedback in 2019. Residents wanted better, safer bike paths, and folks, it looks like they've been heard. From San Marcos Park to that Paseo Trail, the Frye Road bike corridor is set to span a cool 2.5 miles, providing a barrier—both horizontally and vertically—between cars and bikes. The goal? Making sure everyone from the seasoned cyclists to those just taking off the training wheels can ride assured.
But it’s not just about getting from A to B; they’re also adding some flair to the route. Expect monument signs, art, landscaping—essentially, a mini-makeover for Frye Road. And since they’re already digging in, the city is playing it smart, using grant funding to not only upgrade the bike lanes but also repave roads and replace aging streetlights. Construction is expected to begin in early March, according to updates from the City of Chandler.
