MCDOT addressing cut-through traffic
The land between Meridian Drive and Desert Hills Drive is protected conservation land that is off limits to motorized vehicles for trail safety and land preservation. Due to continued cut-through motorized traffic, the Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is installing bollards and a guardrail on Meridian Drive across from St. Exupery Drive. Beginning June 17, expect outside lane restrictions during the installation of the guardrail and bollards at this location. Expected project duration is 7-10 days.
Safety is top priority
Motorists are using the Meridian Drive curve as an ingress and egress point to drive between Anthem and Desert Hills. The land that is transgressed includes Skunk Creek Wash and Natural Area Open Space (NAOS) land between the wash and Meridian Drive. "No Trespassing" signs and the installation of boulders have been ineffective in deterring cut-through traffic, and vehicles continue to create off-road tracks in the NAOS areas, which is prohibited by the Restrictive Covenants governing these areas. By cutting through this area onto Meridian Drive, often at excessive rates of speed, motorists also create safety issues for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles on Meridian Drive and Desert Hills Drive.
At the request of the Anthem Community Council, with the support of the New River-Desert Hills Community Association, MCDOT conducted a study of the area. As a result, the county agency is proceeding with guardrail and bollard installation in order to stop cut-through traffic in this area. The area will be enforced by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.
With questions/concerns, please contact the MCDOT project line directly: 602-506-3342.
