Welcome monument still on hold by ADOT

Installation of the much-anticipated welcome monument at the north end of town is still on hold awaiting approval by the Arizona Department of Transportation. The monument is the crowning element of the city’s John Wayne Parkway median beautification project.

However, there does not yet appear to be a clear indication of what the city must do to get the project approved and installed.

“Right now, engineers are working on plans to present to city staff and then ADOT for approval,” said Quinn Konold, Digital Communications Manager for the city. “ADOT and the city have not come to an agreement to what needs to be completed. We are eager for a resolution.”

The monument originally was to be installed in the early morning hours of Jan. 31 but was halted at the last minute. The 14-foot-tall monument which is more than 20 feet wide, will be installed in the median to greet those entering Maricopa from the north.

The city changed the location of the monument prior to installation, which reopened the review of the project by ADOT. During the review ADOT determined that a barrier of some sort would be needed around the monument to redirect vehicles in case of an accident. Three concrete pylons that have already been built north of Lakeshore Drive mark the monument’s location.

The stylized “M” monument is the centerpiece of the city’s $2 million upgrade to the median through town from the northern border to the overpass. Konold said work on the project is nearly complete, with crews finalizing planting, boulder placement and laying down rock around the gabion baskets. All work except the monument will be completed by Friday.

ADOT spokesman Doug Nintzel would not speculate on the timing of the approval for the project but said ADOT’s focus will be on safety and stressed that the agency is working with the city to find the best solution.