More traffic signals coming to Gilbert

Gilbert will get 27 more traffic signals in the next nine months as the town spends nearly $7 million to improve flow of traffic.

View map of traffic signals

The signals will replace temporary signals at some intersections, and will help traffic flows at newer town developments. Others will be added outside of the town’s newest parks and fire stations.

Eleven signals are under construction now and should be finished in three months. Sixteen more are in the design phase and should be done by early 2008.

It’s a big jump for the town, which now has 140 permanent traffic signals. The town had paid police officers overtime to help guide traffic, but made a decision last year to switch to temporary signals until permanent ones, which cost about $250,000 to purchase and install, could be afforded.

“The temporary ones were a short-term fix,” said town spokesman Greg Svelund. “At other locations, it’s just going to help move traffic better.”

Town Councilman Dave Crozier said the additional lights should help improve traffic, but the town still needs to improve its sequencing of traffic lights to improve the congestion throughout town. Currently, Crozier said, residents often have to stop at multiple red lights even if they drive the speed limit.

Gilbert also approved an intergovernmental agreement to oversee maintenance of Queen Creek’s traffic signals.

Gilbert signals are under construction at:

* Entrances to Discovery Park at Santan Village Parkway and Pecos Road.

* Gilbert Road and Fairview Avenue

* Ranch House Road at Germann and Pecos roads

* Greenfield Road and Knox Avenue

* Pecos Road and Rome Street

* McQueen Road park entrance

* Val Vista Road trail crossing

* Fire stations near Guadalupe and Lindsay roads, and near Guadalupe and Greenfield roads.

For more information on traffic signals under construction, visit www.ci.gilbert.az.us.