The Town of Fountain Hills has announced that a new sidewalk project is set to begin next Tuesday, along La Montana Drive in front of the Bashas’ shopping center. This initiative is a part of the town's commitment to improving pedestrian and cyclist access as well as safety, and forms a section of the Town's Active Transportation Plan. The details of the plan, which was adopted in 2021 after input from the community, aims to bridge the gaps in the existing walkway network and connect shared-use paths.
According to information obtained from the Town of Fountain Hills' announcement, the construction aims to not only lay down new walkways but to also enhance the sidewalks and driveways within the project area. The project developers will be tasked to also install curbs and gutters to better manage stormwater drainage, make necessary utility adjustments, restore affected landscaping, and replace signage and roadway striping. Construction work is slated to be carefully orchestrated to minimize disruption, with operations scheduled on weekdays between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. There will be occasional lane restrictions to ensure safety.
Ease of access to businesses during construction is a priority, with the shopping center remaining open throughout the process. The four driveways along La Montana Drive are to be affected in phases—each set closing for up to 28 days—to allow for the sidewalk installations. The phased closures are designed to mitigate as much inconvenience to both businesses and consumers as possible.
The new sidewalk is expected to take about two months to fully complete. During this period, the townsfolk's ability to navigate around the construction zones will be tested but ultimately anticipated to result in a much safer and more connected Fountain Hills. The Town of Fountain Hills has expressed gratitude for the community's patience and support as they work to, in the words of the official statement, "enhance this area" for all who stroll, bike, or simply enjoy the spaces around La Montana Drive.
