Article submitted by City of Sedona AZ
Sedona AZ (July 27, 2016) – Traffic congestion and circulation issues have been a longstanding concern for Sedona residents. Traffic conditions will predictably continue to deteriorate as the city approaches build-out, if no action is taken to address the current situation and future needs.
Although various traffic-related studies have been completed over the past 25 years, due to the age of some of these studies, variations in focus, changes in conditions and evolving best practices, an updated comprehensive study is necessary.
The city of Sedona has contracted with Kimley-Horn and Associates to complete this vital project.
This updated study will seek to identify findings and recommendations from existing studies that are still relevant and use those as a foundation for the new study, then identify areas where gaps in information exist and fill in those gaps.
The final study will provide an in-depth analysis of the existing conditions and anticipated future circulation patterns.
It will also provide recommendations for multimodal improvements for the safe and efficient circulation and operation of vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians, with an emphasis on cost effectiveness and implementable alternatives. In addition, the update will focus on using modern best practices, and innovative solutions.
What’s been done so far?
- City Council approved the professional services contract with Kimley-Horn on April 12.
- The following day, cameras were placed throughout the city to capture traffic counts and turning movements at major intersections along State Routes 89A and 179.
- A Technical Advisory Committee has been formed which consists of city staff from the City Manager’s office, Public Works, Community Development and the police department, as well as representatives from Arizona Department of Transportation, Coconino and Yavapai counties and Verde Lynx. This group will meet periodically throughout the study period to evaluate and provide feedback on data collection, public outreach and proposed alternatives.
- Previous plans and studies have been reviewed by Kimley-Horn, and a summary memorandum has been sent to the TAC to identify which existing recommendations merit further consideration.
- Stakeholder interviews were conducted with a wide variety of organizations including Sedona Chamber of Commerce, Sedona Lodging Council, Uptown Parking Advisory Group, ADOT, U.S. Forest Service, Sedona Main Street Program, Jeep/trolley companies, and various other business owners, consultants and community representatives.
- Origin-destination data has been collected that provides information about vehicle movements into and out of Sedona, as well as internal movements within the city. This helps differentiate between residents, commuters, day-trippers, and overnight visitors.
- Kimley-Horn is in the process of drafting Working Paper No. 1, which will summarize the current conditions analysis including traffic operations, parking, safety, transit and bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
What’s next?
- Prior to beginning the development of potential alternatives and strategies, the first phase of public outreach will begin in late August.
- Outreach will include presentations to community organizations, online engagement and surveys, visitor surveys, and a community charrette. Content will be posted on the city’s website, and will also be distributed through email lists, and social media platforms.
- A presentation on the status of the study will be given to the Sedona City Council on Tuesday, Oct. 25.
- Following the first phase of public outreach, Kimley-Horn will begin to develop recommended improvements and strategies as part of the Draft Transportation Master Plan.
- A second phase of public outreach will then occur, to present the recommended strategies, before finalizing the study in June 2017.
As we continue to make strides in developing solutions, the community is encouraged to be involved in the process and make sure that your voice is heard. Together, we can ensure that this endeavor is a success, improving multimodal circulation throughout the city of Sedona.
If you have questions about the study, or want more information, contact me at 203-5059 or via email at SCraver@SedonaAZ.gov.
Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and interactive views!
Weekend Travel Advisory for July 29-Aug. 1, 2016 – Drivers should be aware of the following restrictions:
Interstate 10 on- and off-ramps at University Drive/32nd Street near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport closed from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (Aug. 1) for bridge work and paving. University Drive/32nd Street also closed in the area between Wood and Elwood streets. DETOUR: Please consider alternate routes, which include using the I-10 on- or off-ramps at 40th Street, to access local businesses.
Westbound Interstate 10 ramp to northbound Loop 303 in Goodyear closed from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday (Aug. 1) for construction. DETOUR: Access northbound Loop 303 by exiting westbound I-10 at Sarival Avenue and using westbound McDowell Road to northbound Cotton Lane to northbound on-ramp at Thomas Road. Note: This ramp closure and detour also scheduled during overnight hours next week (Aug. 1-5).
Interstate 10 temporarily closed (up to 15 minutes each time) between Guadalupe and Elliot roads from 6 a.m. to noon Sunday (July 31) for overhead utility line work. DETOUR: Please allow extra travel time and be prepared for slowing or stopped traffic during the temporary intermittent closures.
Loop 202 (Santan Freeway) left lanes closed in both directions between Val Vista Drive and Higley Road from 10 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday (July 30) for installation of temporary barrier walls. DETOUR: Please watch for highway workers and equipment. Be prepared to slow down and merge safely in work zone. Note: Freeway’s left shoulders closed until mid-August for overhead message-sign installation.
Well….here is the study that is well over due…
So when they tell us as locals we need to use side streets and stay off 89a, and offer solutions…..
South side of 89a your tearing homes down to tie in streets…..Some progress has been made on the North side of 89a…
I will just imagine people will really be complaining about a big government overreach if they try to solve any of these problems..
I have read the study from 1997, and they will suggest some of the same….
Im happy they are doing the study(as most dont understand how government works) so when they go to build a road, extend one the study will be the device they use to justify tearing down a few homes!
Not sure how lil old Cottonwood has a fully functioning 5 day a week bus system that goes to shopping and through there neighborhoods….
We have the Lynx that supports local business workers, but at a 90 minute route that only stays on main streets in town..
Its going to take guts to solve this giant problem….!
“As we continue to make strides in developing solutions, the community is encouraged to be involved in the process and make sure that your voice is heard.”
Oh really? The same as they wanted public opinion about garbage collection? They do not care what the residents that live here want. The Chamber of Commerce and Lodging Council rule Sedona and the Verde Valley! Period! Otherwise we wouldn’t have the volumes of day-trippers that incorporated Sedona cannot accommodate and that created the traffic gridlock to begin with.
@lip service
I’m sorry with just about 10,000 residents in Sedona how is the “hundreds opposing” a majority?
I heard that hundreds were against the garbage project but I’m not, my neighbors and I like the idea of saving a few bucks and being able to recycle more.
The last time I checked, we all vote for the candidate of our choice and by winning the vote that person gets the right to vote what he or she thinks is best.
what street you live on cuz we’re all against it??????? Uptown thumbs down!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Anonymous. Either you have a short memory or you are fairly new to Sedona, but it wasn’t too long ago when a city council made a decision that either they thought would be welcomed by the citizens or else what they thought was best for the community. Wrong on both counts. A Referendum with a solid voting turnout (not the couple of thousand that generally vote for council members) sent a very loud message that they found the decision made by those snoots unacceptable. The overwhelming opposition spoke their minds at the ballot box, costing the city a bunch of money to overturn the insistence for this city to own a state highway. Who’s to say if history will repeat, but pushed into a corner this community, incorporated Sedona, does have the means and ability to push back and don’t you forget it.
No, I have a very long memory. Perhaps not as long as you but long enough. If my memory serves me right, the city was almost split on not having continuous lighting what really killed that deal, thankfully so, was having to take ownership of the road who needed that. Having a 100, 200 or even 500 against owning the trash is a long way from splitting this city.
@Not such Short Memory – apparently you missed my point which was about the city taking ownership of the road, the betrayal of city challenging the lights in court. It was at that point when even those that didn’t want the lights rallied against what that city council voted on because THEY thought owning the road was best for the community. WRONG!
As for this garbage situation, it remains to be seen just how many do not want for the city to be in control of sending us monthly bills. Neither you nor I have the answer to that one. Time will tell.
On 89a, traffic entering Sedona was backed up Oak Creek Canyon to the Trout Farm yesterday. What is going to happen when there is another fire, and residents fleeing can’t leave due to the traffic back up? The 1974 traffic study recommended a road be built between Schnebly Road…fast forward almost 40 yrs. and studies are still being done. With 4 million visitors a year, Sedona’s traffic is only going to get worse.
And keep in mind, many of those “visitors” don’t even shop in Sedona but go strictly to Oak Creek Canyon to camp, picnic, etc. But by all means keep funding the regional chamber of commerce to advertise for more “destination tourists” (when their “destination” is really Oak Creek Canyon, Flagstaff, and Grand Canyon). More roads such as improvements to Schnebly will only bring even more traffic. It’s nuts – and some of these idiots do not concern themselves with the possibility of fires and floods.
You make some very deep points can you give us some of your ideas of how to slow the traffic?
and let me ask you this question if a road (price tag of 10’s of millions) were to be built between 89a and Schnebly who would pay for it????? If you think it was such a good idea, would you be willing to pay a property tax to fund it?
Having no clue about the identity of Crispy Critters and/or @@Affiliates, one reason Schnebly Road hasn’t been pursued for development, I do believe, is because it crosses USFS land- the same reason an alternate route hasn’t been established from North uptown Sedona to the West.
Want USFS land exchanges? Alternate routes = more land for development = more roads, more traffic, same old same old.
Over the years I recall a few traffic studies performed by the city. They can study it all they want and never make the congestion go away.
The city is a bypass to Oak Creek Canyon, Red Rock Wilderness, and Red Rock Crossing. These areas are where the tourists want to go. It just happens that they have to drive thru the city limits on the way there.
All the traffic studies are never going to fix that.
Adot could direct traffic going to Red Rock Wilderness and Red Rock Crossing thru 260 (cottonwood) to avoid much of the traffic but the village people won’t stand for that. They are afraid they lose business. Especially if 50% of the tourists drive that direction.
The City Council needs to get it out of their head that every tourist that drive through spends money in the city limits. The city has done a fabulous job of promoting non-city businesses. Oops they forgot none of them collect bed or sales tax for the city of Sedona. They get a free ride while the in city businesses PAY for their FREE advertising thru the funneling of taxpayers money thru the regional lodging and chamber organization.
Study ALL you want COUNCIL it will not change what the city is. A tiny town in the middle of a forest. Under 10,000 residents. Small minded you are hurting all those that feed you $$$$. The businesses and residents WITHIN the incorporated city limits!
The saddest thing is how the Council sits around to figure out how to get more money from the residents and businesses. Like trash collection. While to us it is clear they already have it.
Council CUT OFF subsidising private businesses!!!!!! (chamber lodging, red earth, main street, film fest)
Brings to mind the approval of the forest land exchange for the Cultural Park with the provision that in perpetuity it would NEVER be used for commercial development @Eddie Maddock. Of course the current people in charge wouldn’t know about that deal or the betrayal they have put in action by their approval of the Western Gateway – which incidentally and conveniently for the regional chamber of commerce does NOT even include a legitimate Sedona Visitors Center.
For those to understand:
The city did its last full traffic study was 1997…It can be found on line.
The main reason any city or town does this is to get funds….
Even if all the answers would be in black and white it will take millions upon millions of dollars just to start..Sedona should of had a fund that they put money into every year to address this growing problem. They did not do it!
So even with every solution possible it wont get far, due to lack of funding.
Creating new streets, or connecting existing ones is always a huge deal…
If people are complaining about garbage, or who will control it, can you imagine the outrage when Sedona is tearing homes down to put streets through?
Maybe that bed tax should of been a road fund?…This is a big problem, and I feel that the city will due very little because of all the outrage it will create!!!
Drivers should be aware of the following restrictions:
Interstate 10 on- and off-ramps at University Drive/32nd Street near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport closed from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday
Interstate 17 narrowed to one lane in both directions between Buckeye Road and Jefferson Street from 10 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday
Southbound Interstate 17 left two lanes closed between Happy Valley and Pinnacle Peak roads from 9 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday.
Plan ahead if traveling to the airport or points east and west of Phoenix. It’s monsoon season so be prepared to Pull Aside, Stay Alive. Pack extra water and always be prepared for unexpected delays when traveling with children and pets.
Get rid of the silly traffic circles and add lanes to 179! Finally, build a bridge at RedRock Crossing!
NIMBYs do not rule anything… Vocal minority is a joke! …same classless, uneducated people who complain about everything… Traffic, roads, garbage, voting, etc. you name it, I’m bored with nothing to do but complain…
What happened to all the roundabout supporters, now that it’s been proven that they do not work??!!
And were you here during the public meetings (charettes?) with ADOT during the lengthy discussions on redoing 179? @Roundaboutsmustgo? If the alternative four-lanes had been selected we would now have four lanes of gridlock at the “Y” and uptown instead of two (in fact worse after city took over uptown and narrowed that stretch). Proof? Roundabouts have NOTHING to do with backups in Oak Creek Canyon coming south from Flagstaff.
It must be wonderful to think you are smarter than ADOT engineers. The only truth you write is “I’m bored with nothing to do but complain.” Get a life – run for city council.
Harold you are spot on. Lets not forget some other things like the parking lot at Hillside lost a lot of parking with the the 2 lanes of road can you imagine what it would look like if there were 4 lanes??? Hillside, my favorite place to eat and shop would be gone. Also any property near a round-a-bout would also have been taken over by ADOT to make room to build a BIGGER round-a-bout.
Using the return from the increased bed tax could very well be justified spending for improved infrastructure (roads, etc.) since for sure it will benefit the Lodging Industry! (DUH – as if WE don’t know that but THEY won’t admit it) Nothing forces or prevents them from using that money for other benefits besides the questionable contract with the Chamber of Commerce for destination marketing – of a REGION, most of which doesn’t even contribute to the bed tax – PERIOD!!
Saturday August 6, 3:55 PM. It took me 36 minutes to get from Midgley Bridge to the first traffic circle at 179, and 89A, less than a mile. Good thing it is not peak tourist season.
I think the bed tax should be used for traffic control, and road maintenance not bringing more tourists and more traffic.
Part of two million would pay for a lot of traffic officers on the weekends.
@Tony T spot on! That is exactly what those monies should be used for imo.
Enough of paying special interest groups.
Right on!
@Roundaboutsmustgo!
I agree that the roundabouts are a huge pain. Someone in ADOT likes them because I have noticed new roundabouts in a lot of different cities around the state. My husband’s car was sideswiped by a tourist last year and all I can say is at least we got all the dings taken care of plus a new paint job so the car looks better than ever. Good thing no one was hurt.
As far as a bridge at RR Crossing – there’s already a bridge there but to use it you have to buy a piece of very expensive property in LaMerra. There is NO other place to build a bridge either. Give it up – that ship sailed long ago. ADOT had a permit to build a bridge from Loop Road to VVS Road but never did so due to the fact it was TOO EXPENSIVE and couldn’t cut across forest service land, which is against the Amendment 12 law protecting our sacred land. You can beat that drum until you’ve got bloody fingers but A BRIDGE IS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN.
Traffic is bad everywhere. I was just in California and it took me an hour to go 3 blocks at Newport Beach. It took over 2 hours to go from Orange County to LA. The tourist come, but they really aren’t complaining because our traffic isn’t as bad as where they are coming from. What we need is PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.
We don’t need another f-ing traffic study. Waste of money.
Roundaboutsmustgo,
Wont disagree…..but…..You must have a traffic study to get any state or Fed. funding, thats how the game is played….
The main reason your getting roundabouts is money, thats all……The new 4 lane AZ 260 will have 7 high speed Round-a-bouts……I was at a meeting and thats why there are always chosen over traffic lights…….I dont like them either!
Public transportation is great idea!…..They sure havent done much and have even cut it in parts of Cottonwood and Sedona…..Why?…..Money from the county(lack of it)
For all the people who are looking for a bridge from VOC to West Sedona, not going to happen…..ADOT did there own study, and say it would alleviate 5000 to 6000 cars a day, and that isnt enough for there help…So Sedona would foot that bill there self…I dont agree, just passing on what ADOT said….
Same study said that ADOT will never add a second lane on 179……And there was huge push back about having 4 lanes anyways….Complain to those people there the ones that stopped it from happening!
Its a real mess, and to due anything BIG, you need the full traffic study to try and get as much funding as possible….
Im just a regular citizen and I attend most transportation meetings in the VV, I am usually the only one representing the locals(only my priority?)…..There very informative, but frustrating!…If I plan to go to Cottonwood on a week day I usually take the Lynx, and use the Cats……I do my best to not make things worse…..Not sure about the others, but I’ll bet there first reaction is where are my car keys?
We need locals at all these meetings, you learn alot, and find out what is even possible….
Everyone talks about this huge problem, like its some simple fix?…..That it is not!
Great posting and I appreciate the insight.
You have to understand that no matter how much sense you make on this site if you don’t slam Segner or show that it’s the CoC’s fault, you will always be wrong.
The best point that you made was that those who don’t like the traffic on 179 should seek out someone who fought against the 4 lanes. The sad thing about that is that those people will still stand firm saying that they protected our city and should be commended.
Roundabouts work when people know how to use them. They are especially nice when there is light traffic, and you only have to slow down to 20 mph instead of doing a wasteful stop. My guess is that the older one is the more they are opposed because they did not grow up using them.
So one answer would be large video billboards south of VOC, and near the roundabouts at the Y.
I wish Airport Rd, Dry Creek Rd and Andante had roundabouts.
Townster you do know that Roundabouts were made to eliminate traffic lights DON’T YOU?
West Sedona Dave says:Public transportation is great idea!…..They sure havent done much and have even cut it in parts of Cottonwood and Sedona…..Why?…..Money from the county(lack of it)
Agree that is why the new parking lot up town, a place to pick up and drop off it can be the HUB, park you car and hop on a van to go up the canyon or to hillside we need to start someplace the study then the parking lot then ?
ss
I believe we will be having some public hearings coming up after the first of the year, pertaining and adding to the traffic study.
As usual I know I will be there, and if it is like always……I will be the only citizen there…
At one time the City of Sedona had FREE public transportation. Two Sedona RoadRunner trolleys operated in a circular route between north Uptown, Tlaquepaque and the Hillside Shops seven days per week, with 15 minute stops from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Federal dollars were involved.
Why was the Sedona RoadRunner terminated? Although FREE, ridership was lousy.
Why was the Sedona RoadRunner terminated? Although FREE, ridership was lousy.
It was unsucsessfull….because where did it go?…From up town to a gallery?
No VOC, No west Sedona…..It was a joke and not very published at all….
Had it gone to grocery stores besides gallery’s Im sure it would of succeeded…
It was geared to the tourist, not the local..
And how do locals tote home six bags of groceries on a bus?
Wow…..I have no idea….?….I guess your on your own then?…I shop a few times a week…..I have two maybe three reusable bags….
Ive never had a problem…But I believe in solving problems, not coming up with crazy scenarios.(and you want me to answer?)…
Sit outside of Bashes, look how many actually walk to a store….Can you imagine?
If you have a car, then your also part of the Sedona traffic problems then…..So I hope you filled out the traffic study and will sit next to me at the next public meeting then!
West Sedona Dave sounds so much like another person that attempts to solve all of Sedona’s problems. And no one even asked either one of them for their lame solutions. BTW – there’s a parking lot uptown the Chamber will buy with city tax money. Sound familiar? And then they might even provide a shuttle to take us to the grocery store. Hope that includes dropping us off at our door as well. How many of us are able or so inclined for that matter to traipse out onto a state highway and wait for a bus? This isn’t a big city in case you aren’t aware.
You sound like Steve.
Is it really realistic for a 75 year women to walk with 6 bags of groceries to and from a bus stop? No it is not. Sedona is a rural area, not New York city. Think about it if gets very hot in the summer. I would want my Mom to walk to take a bus, then haul her groceries back on a bus.
The city of Sedona was incorporated for the RESIDENTS not the tourists or the businesses. Without the RESIDENTS Sedona would not have become a city.
@west sedona DAVE
Keep it up DAVE You offer up common sense comments….The two or three people posting under different names like to complain constantly about all things Sedona….
They are never satisfied about anything….You offer a solution they find 3 more problems….. You attend councils meetings and properly state your opinion, They bitch, moan, and spin wheels crying behind their computer…
Same ole same ole…….and the beat goes on
quote: Is it really realistic for a 75 year women to walk with 6 bags of groceries to and from a bus stop? No it is not. Sedona is a rural area, not New York city. Think about it if gets very hot in the summer. I would want my Mom to walk to take a bus, then haul her groceries back on a bus.
Really…..6 bags…Well Im going to guess that some exercise is definitely needed?
There is a 70 year old woman that rides every day….she shops and has not ever complained? We all have seen her…she wears white 99% of the time….But then again there go those dam facts again.
I am very sorry so many are lazy and ignorant around here…..There is a solution to any problem….some easy some hard…..
So the tourist are the problem but those same people shop, eat, stay here…..So the solution is to get rid of our traffic problems by keeping them out I guess?
Sad to say the whole Verde Valley is based on tourism, so you better get used to it, or start some heavy manufacturing…..
We have a traffic problem…It needs to be addressed!….You need the GD study to get money from the state and the Feds…….If you dont understand the rules of the game, its not my problem…..Its your complete ignorance of facts, and a lack of problem solving on your part!
why do you have sooo much anger?
Some anger management classes may be helpful. There is diffidently anger and control issues in your post.
Let it gooooo… go with flow…..
As we age health issues arise. Where is your compassion for those that have health issues, the aging ones and the handicap?
Criticize without knowledge is not the solution. You don’t have to go into heavy manufacturing to diversify. Did you see Larry Harmers presentation? There are some easy solutions and they would include not paying public money to any special interests groups which includes lodging, chamber, main street.
The city is limited by the incorporated city limits. That is their jurisdiction.
A few of you have some very good points….
I do think that most if not all here are not even aware what little ol Cottonwood has done with public transportation?
They have 4 buses that run 5 days a week….Stop at many older retirement homes and most grocery stores and other shopping and eating establishments…..
Those buses drive through local neighborhoods to pick up and drop off riders….Is it perfect?….NO….but you have to give them a lot of credit!
Things like this have to be addressed, if we want to lesson traffic problems…..
http://cottonwoodaz.gov/media/pdf/CAT-Guide.pdf
This is only one piece to the puzzle but would directly effect all people of Sedona, and address some of the traffic congestion.