SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Big changes are coming to Scottsdale Road and it comes with an even bigger price tag.
In a five to two vote, the Scottsdale City Council approved a construction project at Scottsdale Road and Dynamite Boulevard. Drivers who use that portion of Scottsdale Road frequently said traffic congestion is extreme in the morning and afternoon commute.
The intersection will be turned into a multi-lane roundabout with a two mile stretch of Scottsdale Road receiving larger walking paths, and culverts to divert water to prevent the roads from flooding.
The project is going to cost $43 million, over three times what was initially budgeted for in 2019. While drivers and City Council members are optimistic it could relieve traffic, some are balking at the cost.
"It's very concerning, because this is not a sustainable rate," Vice Mayor Barry Graham said.
Graham, who voted against the project, said the original budget for the project was about $13 million in 2019. This new cost is well above what they budgeted.
"That means that other projects are going to be deferred, if not canceled," Graham said.
Graham acknowledged that the city did receive a $31 million federal grant that will be used to pay for the construction but believes that money could be spent to help other areas that need it.
"It's all our tax dollars, so we got to spend it wisely," he said.
The project is part of Scottsdale's master transportation plan to improve safety conditions on several roads and meet traffic demands as more people move the area according to Dan Worth the City's Public Works Director.
When asked what led to the dramatic cost increase Worth said it's for a variety of reasons including construction costs going up significantly because of inflation, relocating APS powerlines and having to purchase additional pieces of land in the area to make room for the project.
During the City Council meeting, one council member also discussed how only two contracting companies bid for the project.
Worth also said that while the City budgeted $13 million in 2019, officials knew it would ultimately cost closer to $30 million and were planning for that amount.
Construction is set to start in November and is expected to be completed sometime in 2026.
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