HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 80-19RESOLUTION NO.80-19
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA REQUESTING AND URGING THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION AND OTHER APPROPRIATE PUBLIC OFFICIALS TO TAKE EXPEDIENT
DIRECTED ACTION TO REDUCE AND IMPACT THE TRAFFIC HAZARD POTENTIAL AS
REFLECTED IN THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS OCCURRING AND THE NEAR MISS CRASHES
IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF THE INTERSECTION OF ARIZONA HIGHWAY 88
(APACHE TRAIL) WITH U.S. HIGHWAY 60 AND 89 IN APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA.
WHEREAS, there exists in the immediate vicinity of the
intersection of Arizona Highway 88 with U.S. Highway 60 and 89 in Apache
Junction, Arizona a growing list of traffic accidents including twelve
non -injury and eight injury accidents with a total of 14 injuries since
January 1, 1980, as reflected in the statistics gathered from accident
reports at this location; and
WHEREAS, because of the confusing intersection design it
is only through fortunate circumstance that a fatal accident has not
occurred this year; and
WHEREAS, the unique design of the intersection has a total
of fifty-one possible driver decisions (thirty in the highway system,
eighteen entrance or exits, and at least three possible wrong directions)
in a triangular road area, the longest leg of which is only three -tenths
(0.3) miles long; and
WHEREAS, Apache Junction city officials have attempted to
resolve the situation by written communication to Mr. W. A. Ordway,
Director, Arizona Department of Transportation; and
WHEREAS, by written communication dated April 21, 1980
from the Arizona Department of Transportation it is stated that "The
possibility of making some minor changes which will improve the traffic
flow in the area will be considered and discussed with the City in the
near future." but "The major revision of the intersection would be quite
extensive and cannot be included in the current 5 -year program being
considered due to funding limitations."; and
WHEREAS, the Arizona Department of Transportation approval
of the design of the Superstition Plaza recently, the location of the
plaza appears to be a substantial contributing factor to the increasing
accident rate; and
WHEREAS, this intersection had in February, 1980 an
"Average Daily Traffic" (ADT) count of 13,000 vehicles on the westerly
route (being U. S. Highway 60, 88, 89); 5,300 vehicles on the northeasterly
route (being Arizona Highway 88); and 7,400 vehicles on the southeasterly
route (being U. S. Highway 60 and 89) in the vicinity of this intersection;
and
WHEREAS, the Arizona Department of Transportation has the
responsibility and liability for these public roads.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF APACHE JUNCTION, ARIZONA that the Arizona Department of
Transportation and other appropriate public officials are requested and
urged to take expedited and direct action to reduce the impact of the
demonstrated life -threatening traffic hazard potential at the intersection
of Arizona Highway 88 (Apache Trail) with U. S. Highway 60 and 89 and
immediate vicinity in Apache Junction, Arizona; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk is authorized
and directed to send certified copies of this resolution to the
Director, Arizona Department of Transportation; the Governor, State of
Arizona; the Arizona Congressional delegation; and the Arizona State
Legislators representing the Apache Junction area.
PASSED this /day of TON6-, 1980 by the
Mayor and City Council of the City of Apache Junction, Arizona.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
/
MAY UK