Staff Writer | Mayor of Scottsdale
The result of a partnership between the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community and the city of Scottsdale is bringing to life significant upgrades to a critical stretch of roadway in Scottsdale.
Taking place from McDowell to Via Linda roads along Pima Road is an effort to enhance pedestrian and bicycle access and modernize flood control infrastructure to benefit all who live, work, and travel in the area.
Pima Road serves as a vital connector in Scottsdale, linking nearly 12,000 daily drivers to their commutes, local businesses, neighborhoods and regional freeways.
“Serving on the Transportation Committee at the Maricopa Association of Governments, I know firsthand how important good roads are in our regional transit system, and I applaud our collaborative efforts with our partners at the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community,” Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky said of the improvements coming to Pima Road.
“These updates along Pima Road have been a long time coming, so I am happy to deliver on the City Council’s promise to make our roads and thoroughfares better.”
Officials at Scottsdale City Hall say Pima Road improvements include:
- Expanded capacity to ease congestion and improve daily commutes.
- Raised landscaped medians to enhance aesthetics and traffic safety.
- New bike lanes from McDowell Road north to Krail Street, resulting in a nearly 7 mile stretch of continuous bike lanes along Pima Road.
- Improved pedestrian features to make the corridor more walkable and accessible.
- Upgraded intersections and stormwater management systems to prevent flooding and maintain road integrity during storms.
SRPMIC is leading the project with collaboration from Scottsdale, the Federal Highway Administration, Maricopa Association of Governments and the Flood Control District of Maricopa County, city officials report.
The groundwork for this project began nearly two decades ago.
In 2006, Scottsdale joined SRPMIC and the Arizona Department of Transportation to study traffic patterns, environmental impacts and community needs. The resulting 2009 Pima Road — McDowell Road to 90th Street Design Concept Report provided the blueprint for future improvements.
In 2019, SRPMIC received a $49.8 million Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects grant to bring the vision to life. Construction began in October 2024 and will continue through winter 2026.
This roadway work also continues an effort to enhance regional drainage and reduce flood risks along the corridor.
