Drivers navigating the stretch of 163rd Avenue at Asante Boulevard can expect a smoother ride come July 9, when a new traffic signal goes live. The City has decided to expedite the activation of the traffic light, originally scheduled for a later date, in response to the increased traffic accompanying road improvement efforts in the area. City of Surprise reports that the signal will be fully operational from the get-go, skipping the usually observed 48-hour flashing red phase.
With the volume of vehicles on 163rd Avenue swelling, City of Surprise staff find themselves adapting on the fly. Although the practice is to ease into a new signal's use, this time around the lights will work in earnest from day one. Drivers are advised to be aware of the change and watch out for the immediate onset of the green-yellow-red cycle. Adjustments to the signal's timing are on the cards as staff keep a keen eye on the situation and tweak things as necessary.
This move is part of a broader operational overhaul along the 163rd Avenue corridor, where construction has been both a boon for long-term prospects but a short-term challenge for daily commuters. Ongoing projects will continue to shape traffic flow through late July, with a focus on the area surrounding the Asante Boulevard intersection, according to the City of Surprise.
Some disruptions to road patterns will happen. According to the City of Surprise release, northbound and southbound traffic will experience single lane restrictions with the closure of the left most lanes at the intersection. However, to accommodate the influx of cars, two through lanes will remain open in each direction. The release further clarifies that "Left-turn movements at the intersection will be preserved but will be allowed on green arrow only for safety due to limited visibility during construction."
