Two projects concerning Rio Verde Drive could face changes and challenges, as some Scottsdale officials are pressing to reexamine and combine them into one overall effort.
In a March 21 meeting of the Scottsdale City Council’s Budget Review Commission, Commissioner Brad Newman floated the idea of combining a planned $35M wildlife crossing/land bridge with an expected future Rio Verde Drive widening for cost efficiency and resource allocation.
Newman’s idea was supported by Interim City Manager Greg Caton, who said there was a potential to realize significant gains in efficiency if the two projects’ timelines can be brought more closely together.
Commissioner Carla, who uses only one name, expressed doubt the two projects’ timelines would ever synch up. The land bridge is slated to begin construction in July 2027. No timeline exists for the road widening. While acknowledging the potential for theoretical efficiency gains, Carla said the Preserve has been waiting for the Overpass project for 20 years.
Carla also said the bridge would help promote genetic diversity in the area’s deer population, which she said has suffered due to movement restrictions caused by the existing road layout.
The Rio Verde Overpass land bridge will be funded by the 0.15% sales tax voters approved in 2004 in support of the Preserve.
Councilmember Solange Whitehead and former Councilmember Betty Janik have begun a petition signature drive in support of the land bridge. Whitehead said some on Council have threatened funding for the Overpass and “may push to sunset the 2004 tax early for political reasons.” (Source)
