Improving commutes is one goal behind a pilot project that Phoenix council members will be asked to approve Wednesday. The nearly $1.4 million plan focuses on two of Phoenix’s most traveled corridors: Seventh Avenue and Seventh Street stretching from Loop 101 to Interstate 10.
The project calls for installing eight overhead signs that will display travel time information and alternative routes. For example, if you’re heading northbound on Seventh Avenue, you might see a sign that reads 15 minutes to Northern Avenue. And, you’ll see alternative routes that could display longer or shorter times.
City planners say the project could ease congestion, reduce driver anxiety and improve air quality. According to a city document, the overhead signs are designed and located to not conflict with existing signs and avoid message overload.
Federal funding would cover $949,000 in costs, with Phoenix using more than $400,000 from its share of the state’s gas tax and vehicle-registration fees.
During Wednesday’s council meeting, members will be asked to approve contracts with AJP Electric Inc. and Lee Engineering LLC. Construction is expected to take about 280 days to complete.
