Installation of controversial stoplight to start next Monday

Installation of a controversial traffic signal at an embattled intersection in southern Maricopa is slated to begin next Monday, City Manager Rick Horst told InMaricopa this morning.

Horst put “emphasis on tentative” in sharing the tentative stoplight installation schedule at the corner of John Wayne and Sonoran Desert Parkways.

Work is scheduled every weekday from Nov. 27 to Dec. 22.

The schedule shows foundation work to commence Nov. 27 and 28, along with demo poles and boring across John Wayne Parkway.

The project would continue with cable boxes starting Nov. 29 and signal poles Dec. 1.

The following week would bring installation of more cables, signal gear and fluorescent signs.

Dec. 11 to 15 would see the completion of signal poles as well as the bulk of curb and gutter work.

The signal is slated to turn on when Electrical District No. 3 connects power there, likely between Dec. 18 and 20. The final installation step is road striping Dec. 21 and 22.

The city set up a messy four-way stop with traffic cones and stop signs in September after the Ak-Chin Indian Community reneged on its agreements to let the city work there. The “permanent traffic condition” blocked access to Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino at that intersection from the new Sonoran Desert Parkway.

Mayor Nancy Smith said Ak-Chin would pay for the traffic light if it did not acknowledge the city’s permits by Sept. 11. After months of negotiation, Ak-Chin approved the permits two weeks ago and the city will again shoulder its cost.