Residents of Scottsdale have a reason to celebrate with the completion of a new pedestrian underpass along the Indian Bend Multiuse Path. Aimed at enhancing safety for those traveling by foot or bike, the underpass allows users to circumvent a previously perilous crossing at the intersection of Hayden and Chaparral roads.
Seen as an inconvenience for months, the intersection's closure has finally paid off. Shelby Rainey, one of the locals using the underpass on its opening day, expressed her anticipation and fulfillment to ABC15, saying, "We’ve been watching and waiting for when this would open. And this is my first time navigating it and I’m very excited." Right next to two major parks, this development is not only a win for safety but also for the continuous enjoyment of the Green Belt trail without interruption.
Securing the underpass was made possible through a combination of federal grants and Scottsdale's Transportation Sales Tax, totaling around $5 million. Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky highlighted the project's significance in a press release, stating, "One of the innovative things Scottsdale is known for is the Indian Bend Wash and this underpass makes it safer," as reported by KTAR News.
Moreover, the underpass doesn't just benefit pedestrians and cyclists; it also helps vehicle traffic move more efficiently. When the lights stay green for longer periods, vehicles flow through more quickly. Speaking to the long-term benefits, new parents Dan and Dania, walking with their 5-month-old baby, shared with ABC15 their experience: "[Construction] was still going on when she was a few months and we were having to cross the street, and I was a little nervous."
The new setup is not only a safety measure but also streamlines the movement for all who make their way along the Indian Bend Wash. Mark Melnychenko, the city's transportation and streets director hinted at the benefits for commuters, telling KTAR News, "The underpass provides uninterrupted travel for bicyclists and pedestrians along the Indian Bend Wash."
