NE Valley Times

Safety and drainage improvements are set to begin on Scottsdale Road north of Dynamite Boulevard in November. The project will rebuild a two-mile stretch from Jomax Road to Dixileta Drive, enhancing safety and drainage along this busy corridor.

A new multilane roundabout will replace the current signalized intersection at Scottsdale Road and Dynamite Boulevard. "Roundabouts have been proven to reduce the likelihood of severe crashes by minimizing conflict points and forcing slower vehicle speeds," the press release stated. Additionally, raised center medians will replace continuous center turn lanes, reducing vehicle conflict points. New left turn lanes at busier crossings and a pedestrian crosswalk signal at Pinnacle Vista Drive will also be added.

The project aims to address drainage issues caused by the current roadway's dips and rises, which create unsafe conditions during substantial rain. New drainage culverts will be installed to manage stormwater flows, keeping the roadway clear.

The total budget for the project is $43.7 million, with approximately $31 million funded by federal transportation grants. The remainder will come from Scottsdale's dedicated transportation sales tax and regional transportation funds.

Scottsdale has earned top credit ratings for its fiscal responsibility and strong management. Moody’s Rating Agency recently upgraded the city’s Excise Tax Revenue Bonds from Aa1 to Aaa – its highest rating. "We are very pleased to receive these upgrades from Moody’s and Fitch," said Sonia Andrews, Scottsdale City Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. Fitch Ratings affirmed Scottsdale’s AA+ rating on its Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and Municipal Property Corporation's excise tax revenue bonds, upgrading their outlooks from Stable to Positive.

Scottsdale Airport is initiating a $1 million master planning project funded mainly by a Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program grant. This initiative aims to shape the airport's future over the next 20 years, focusing on essential master plan objectives without including a noise study.

Public meetings scheduled for the week of Sept. 30 include sessions of the Veterans Advisory Commission, McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission, and Historic Preservation Commission.

Upcoming events in Scottsdale include Valley Metro Fare System Pop-Up event on Oct. 2 at Granite Reef Senior Center; Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market starting its season; Railfair 2024 at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park on Oct. 5; and Scottsdale Police Department’s Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 30.

Ongoing programs include weekly ArtWalks every Thursday evening in downtown Scottsdale, various events at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy activities, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West activities, and more.

Scottsdale residents can recycle old electronics at a free event on Oct. 5 at North Corp Yard with proof of residency required.

Nominations are open for the 2025 Sustainable Scottsdale Awards until Oct. 31, recognizing individuals or organizations demonstrating exceptional sustainability efforts in enhancing quality of life in Scottsdale.

ADOT advises drivers of an upcoming closure on Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard at Loop 101 from Oct. 4-7 as part of a two-year project to improve interchanges between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/Pima Road.

The job opening of the week is for a Police Wrangler position within the Scottsdale Police Department focused on caring for horses used by police officers.