Town of Wickenburg trails connectivity and transportation study

              Town of Wickenburg
Trails Connectivity and Transportation Study
Final Report
Prepared for:
Arizona Department of Transportation
Town of Wickenburg
Prepared by:
May 2012
Final Report
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Transportation Study
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May 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 STUDY AREA OVERVIEW ............................................................................................ 2
1.2 STUDY PROCESS ............................................................................................................ 4
1.3 AGENCY COORDINATION AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ................................ 4
1.3.1 Technical Advisory Committee ........................................................................ 5
1.3.2 Alternatives Workshop ...................................................................................... 5
1.3.3 Public Meetings ................................................................................................... 5
1.4 REVIEW OF RELEVANT PREVIOUS STUDIES ......................................................... 5
1.5 FINAL REPORT ORGANIZATION .............................................................................. 7
2.0 EXISTING AND FUTURE CONDITIONS ............................................................................. 9
2.1 LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS ........................................................ 9
2.2 SOCIOECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................... 9
2.2.1 Existing Population .......................................................................................... 10
2.2.2 Future Population ............................................................................................. 10
2.2.3 Employment ...................................................................................................... 12
2.3 TRANSPORTATION ..................................................................................................... 13
2.3.1 Existing Roadways ........................................................................................... 13
2.3.2 Planned Network Improvements ................................................................... 13
2.3.3 Existing and Future Traffic Volumes ............................................................. 14
2.3.4 Existing and Planned Transit Service............................................................. 14
2.4 TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE ........................................................................................ 15
2.4.1 Trails Networks ................................................................................................. 15
2.4.2 Trailheads and Staging Areas ......................................................................... 18
2.4.3 Park and Recreation Facilities ......................................................................... 18
2.4.4 Legal Access and Land Ownership Issues .................................................... 19
3.0 ISSUES ........................................................................................................................................ 21
3.1 KEY TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE ISSUES................................................................. 21
3.2 KEY TRANSPORTATION ISSUES .............................................................................. 22
4.0 EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................... 24
4.1 CHARACTERIZATION OF TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE ALTERNATIVES ...... 24
4.2 CHARACTERIZATION OF RECREATION NODES ............................................... 28
4.3 CHARACTERIZATION OF TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES ................... 29
4.3.1 Primary Roadway Network ............................................................................ 30
4.3.2 Future Transportation Corridors .................................................................... 32
4.3.3 Transit Service Recommendations ................................................................. 32
4.4 SPECIFIC ISSUE AREAS .............................................................................................. 33
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PLAN 5.0 FOR IMPROVEMENTS ............................................................................................... 34
5.1 SHORT-TERM PRIORITIES (THROUGH 2015) ........................................................ 34
5.2 MID-TERM OBJECTIVES (THROUGH 2020)............................................................ 35
5.3 LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES (BEYOND 2020) ............................................................ 35
5.4 POTENTIAL FUNDING MECHANISMS .................................................................. 35
5.4.1 Trails and Open Space Funding Sources ....................................................... 36
5.4.2 Transportation Funding Sources .................................................................... 37
5.5 ENFORCEMENT ........................................................................................................... 38
6.0 CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................... 39
List of Tables
Table 1 Relevant Previous Studies Summary................................................................................... 6
Table 2 Existing Population – 2000 and 2010 Census Data .......................................................... 10
Table 3 Existing Population – MAG Data ....................................................................................... 10
Table 4 Future Population – MAG Projections .............................................................................. 12
Table 5 Future Population – Town of Wickenburg Projections ................................................... 12
Table 6 Employment Change – MAG Data .................................................................................... 13
Table 7 Existing and Forecasted Arterial Highway Volumes ...................................................... 14
Table 8 Potential Corridors for Wickenburg Area Trail Network .............................................. 24
Table 9 Potential Recreation Nodes in Wickenburg Area ............................................................ 28
Table 10 Primary Roadway Network in Wickenburg ..................................................................... 30
Table 11 Future Transportation Corridors ....................................................................................... 32
Table 12: Trails and Open Space Funding Options .......................................................................... 36
Table 13: Transportation Project Funding Opportunities ............................................................... 37
List of Figures
Figure 1 Study Area Overview ............................................................................................................ 3
Figure 2 Future Land Use and Transportation ................................................................................ 11
Figure 3 Transportation – 2031 Conditions ...................................................................................... 16
Figure 4 Regional Existing and Planned Trails and Open Space Network ................................. 17
Figure 5 Town of Wickenburg Existing and Planned Trails and Open Space Network ........... 20
Figure 6 Existing and Planned Open Space and Trails Network .................................................. 26
Figure 7 Existing and Proposed Transportation Network ............................................................. 31
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List of Acronyms
ADOT Arizona Department of Transportation
ADT average day traffic
AGFD Arizona Game and Fish Department
ARZC Arizona & California Railroad
ASLD Arizona State Land Department
BLM Bureau of Land Management
BNSF Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway
I-10 Interstate 10
I-11 Interstate 11
I-40 Interstate 40
LOS Level of Service
MAG Maricopa Association of Governments
MCDOT Maricopa County Department of Transportation
OHV off-highway vehicle
PARA Planning Assistance for Rural Areas
ROW right-of-way
RV recreational vehicle
SR State Route
TAC Technical Advisory Committee
TAZ Transportation Analysis Zone
US 60 US Highway 60
US 93 US Highway 93
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Wickenburg Trails Connectivity and
Transportation Study
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Wickenburg Trails Connectivity and Transportation Study is a study administered through
the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Planning Assistance for Rural Areas
(PARA) program to improve multimodal connectivity throughout the Town of Wickenburg,
Arizona and the surrounding area, which includes many trails and trailheads. This study
presents an opportunity to integrate trails and a variety of other transportation modes into an
overall circulation concept plan to provide multimodal connectivity and safe access throughout
the study area. Improvements in connectivity considered in this study will support
Wickenburg’s economic development goals by linking the existing business core with
residential areas and trails that are used by visitors. The information in this report will provide
the foundation for updates to the transportation and open space elements of the Wickenburg
General Plan, and includes a plan for improvements that prioritizes projects to implement
future plans.
The main goals and objectives of the study include:
• Improve connectivity to provide for safe circulation and access throughout the Town of
Wickenburg
• Promote interconnections among trail access points, downtown Wickenburg, and key
activity centers
• Build upon prior trails planning efforts to develop a comprehensive trials component for
the Town’s General Plan
• Provide information to update Wickenburg’s Transportation and Open Space General
Plan Elements
• Establish an Improvement Plan that identifies and prioritizes projects
This report describes stakeholder input, existing conditions, and projected future deficiencies
related to trails, open space, and transportation issues. The study evaluated and recommended
alternatives and options to alleviate those issues. The recommendations in this report reflect
input from the Town of Wickenburg, Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) members,
stakeholder groups, and the public that has been provided through online surveys, agency and
public meetings, public events, and an alternatives workshop. Recommendations and
observations from previous studies were also considered.
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1.1 STUDY AREA OVERVIEW
The Town of Wickenburg is located at the junction of
US Highway 60 (US 60) and US Highway 93 (US 93) in
northern Maricopa County on the Maricopa/Yavapai
County border, approximately 55 miles northwest of
downtown Phoenix. Wickenburg is accessed via US 60
from the south and west and US 93 and State Route
(SR) 89 from the north. The US 93 bypass to circumvent
downtown Wickenburg was completed in 2009. The
study area extends west to match the municipal
planning area identified as part of Wickenburg’s
General Plan 2025. As shown in Figure 1, the study area includes major designated open space
areas including the Hassayampa River Canyon and Harquahala Wilderness Areas and the
Vulture Mountains Cooperative Recreation Management Area (Vulture Mountains Recreation
Area). The Hassayampa River Preserve is located just southwest of the Town of Wickenburg
along US 60 and is considered a major attraction for the region because of its wildlife habitat
and year-round running water.
Other major transportation facilities within the study area include the BNSF Railway (BNSF)
network and the shortline Arizona & California Railroad (ARZC). The BNSF mainline travels
east/west across northern Arizona along the Interstate 40 (I-40) alignment and includes a
southern spur that connects through Wickenburg and serves the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Throughout the study area, the BNSF alignment follows SR 89 from the north into Wickenburg
and transitions to the US 60 alignment between Wickenburg and Phoenix. The ARZC connects
Cadiz, California, to Matthie, Arizona, just outside Wickenburg town limits. Within the study
area the ARZC does not follow an existing roadway alignment but connects with US 60 just
west of the study area near Aguila, Arizona.
There are many formal and informal trails throughout and surrounding Wickenburg. With
extensive trail networks located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM), State Trust, and
private lands there are options for both non-motorized and motorized activities throughout the
study area. Established recreation areas within the study area include the Vulture Mountains
Recreation Area to the south and Sophie’s Flat trailhead, located northeast of the town limits.
These areas are subject to ongoing planning efforts by the BLM and Maricopa County.
R 06 W R 05 W R 04 W
T 06 N T 07 N T 08 N
R 11 W R 10 W R 09 W R 08 W R 07 W
T 05 N T 09 N
R 03 W
Vulture Mine Road
Constellation
Park
Sophie's Flat
Trailhead
Box
Canyon
Stanton
Octave
Sand Mill
Congress Junction
Congress
Flores
Matthie
Morristown
Ambrosia Mill
Gladden
Aguila Forepaugh
Constellation
Arizona and California Railroad
BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
Vulture
Mountains
Recreation Area
Hassayampa
River
Tres Alamos
Wilderness
Hassayampa
River Canyon
Wilderness
Harcuvar
Mountains
Wilderness
Harquahala
Mountains
Wilderness
Hummingbird
Springs
Wilderness
VULTURE
MOUNTAINS
ACEC
Yavapai County
La Paz County
Yavapai County
Maricopa County
La Paz County
Maricopa County
Source:
Base Map: ADOT 2009, ALRIS 1997-2010,
BTS 2011, USGS 2007
Study Area Overview
0 2 4 6 8 10
Miles
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Figure 1
LEGEND
General Reference Features
Town of Wickenburg Boundary
Downtown Wickenburg
County Boundary
U.S. Highway
State Highway
Local Road
Railroad
Wickenburg Municipal Airport
River
Township and Range Boundary
Area of Critical Environmental
Concern (ACEC)
Wilderness
Hassayampa River Preserve
Vulture Mountains Recreation Area
Surface Management
Bureau of Land Management
State Trust*
Private
Study Area Boundary
*If not signed as open to public, State
Land recreation permit required to cross.
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1.2 STUDY PROCESS
Throughout the study, Working Papers were prepared to document the study tasks and were
subject to review and comment from the Town of Wickenburg, ADOT, and members of the
TAC. The Working Papers form the basis for this final report, and are available on the ADOT
web site: http://www.azdot.gov/MPD/Systems_Planning/WickenburgTrails.asp.
The primary study tasks are summarized below:
Step 1: Understand Study Area Characteristics – In order to identify applicable project
alternatives it was necessary to understand the existing and future conditions of the study area.
This analysis provided a summary of the existing and future population as well as land use,
transportation, open space, and trails conditions throughout the Town of Wickenburg. Future
needs for the trails and open space and transportation networks were identified based on land
ownership, land use patterns, and projected future growth. The results of this analysis are
described in detail in Working Paper 1, Existing Conditions and Future Deficiencies.
Step 2: Identify Issues and Opportunities throughout the Study Area – A preliminary
understanding of the primary trails and transportation issues and opportunities was identified
based on a review of past studies, agency and public meetings, the Wickenburg General Plan
Update process, an online survey, input from the TAC, and an Alternatives Workshop. The key
stakeholder issues are chronicled as part of Working Paper 2, Key Trails and Transportation Issues
and Alternatives.
Step 3: Identify Alternatives for Improvements – In response to the issues and opportunities
analysis, the project team mapped the key components of the planned circulation and open
space networks, and identified potential improvements and actions to achieve enhanced
connectivity. This information was presented to the TAC, to several Wickenburg Town
committees and the Town Council, and to the public in a public meeting. The revised set of
alternatives—incorporating stakeholder and public input—are described in Working Paper 3,
Preliminary Plan for Improvements, as well as an evaluation of priorities and preliminary
improvement plan.
Step 4: Refine and Document Final Recommendations – Based on input from the Town of
Wickenburg, the TAC, and the public, the project team identified and prioritized final
recommendations for improvements to multi-modal motorized and non-motorized circulation
throughout Wickenburg. As part of this process, recommendations for updates to the
Wickenburg General Plan 2025 also were made.
1.3 AGENCY COORDINATION AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Ongoing public and agency coordination is a vital component of any successful transportation
study. As part of the Wickenburg Trails Connectivity and Transportation Study, input was
solicited from the general public, elected officials, community leaders, stakeholder agencies,
and staff from the Town to more fully understand the issues, problems, and opportunities and
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to generate ideas for solutions. Stakeholder agencies were able to provide technical input via the
TAC and a variety of channels for public input were available at key milestones of the study.
1.3.1 Technical Advisory Committee
At the beginning of this study, a TAC was formed to provide technical input into the analysis
and development of project alternatives. The members served as the sounding board for the
study team, provided review and guidance on local issues, provided connections with other
ongoing study efforts within the study area, and served as study champions for the agencies
they represent. The TAC included representatives from ADOT, Arizona State Land Department
(ASLD), Maricopa County, BLM, Arizona State Parks, Maricopa Association of Governments
(MAG), Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), and Yavapai County.
Five TAC meetings were held throughout the study to share information, develop or modify
public outreach, and review progress in addition to the workshop described below.
1.3.2 Alternatives Workshop
An alternatives workshop was conducted on August 10, 2011 with members of the TAC, the
Town, and additional stakeholders including members of the Wickenburg Chamber,
Transportation and Trails Committee, and the Wickenburg Conservation Foundation. The
workshop provided an opportunity for additional stakeholders to provide input on project
issues, alternatives identification, and possible solutions.
1.3.3 Public Meetings
Two public meetings were held over the course of the study, both of which were held at the
Wickenburg Community Center. The first meeting was held on October 4, 2011, to present the
existing and future conditions analysis, initial alternatives recommendations, and get public
input via comments and an online survey. The second public meeting was held on February 22,
2012 to present recommended alternatives, priorities identified for the draft Improvement Plan,
and how comments received at the first public meeting were integrated into the study.
During each public meeting, a 15 to 20 minute presentation was made to outline study
accomplishments and the floor was opened to questions. The remainder of each meeting was
devoted to one-on-one conversations in an open house setting. Comment cards were provided
and the public was urged to provide their input in written form as well.
1.4 REVIEW OF RELEVANT PREVIOUS STUDIES
To understand the context of the study area, a review of findings from previous studies and
existing plans in the study area was conducted. Table 1 provides summary information for
previous studies and their applicability to this study. For a detailed summary of each previous
relevant study, refer to Working Paper 1 – Existing Conditions and Future Deficiencies.
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Table 1 Relevant Previous Studies Summary
Study or Plan Date Applicability Comments
Local Plans
Wickenburg General
Plan Update
Ongoing The draft land use and economic
development elements provided a context
for understanding travel patterns and future
open space/trails needs.
Final adoption and
ratification is
expected by the end
of 2012
Wickenburg Strategic
Plan for Economic
Development
2010 The outcome and recommendations from
this study shape the future economic
development objectives for the town,
influencing areas of projected growth and
areas of future transportation needs.
Planning reference
Bradshaw-Harquahala
Resource Management
Plan (RMP)
2010 The BLM Hassayampa Field Office prepared
and EIS and the Approved Bradshaw-
Harquahala RMP to provide comprehensive
current and future management of nearly
one-million acres of BLM administered land
north and west of Phoenix. The RMP guides
management of the Wickenburg Community
Recreation Management Zone and Vulture
Mine Recreation Management Zone which
encompass this project study area.
Planning reference
Regional Transportation Plans
Hidden Waters
Parkway Corridor
Feasibility Study
2012 If constructed, this Parkway would not
provide direct access to Wickenburg but
may provide a bypass to the planned
Hassayampa Freeway.
Planning reference
Hassayampa Valley
Framework Study for
the Wickenburg Area
2011 The proposed Hassayampa Freeway would
bypass the Town of Wickenburg but provide
improved access to the planning area. Study
includes other recommendations (e.g.,
Cherokee Lane) that are reflected in maps
for this study.
Planning reference
Grand Avenue
Commuter Rail
Corridor Development
Plan
2010 Commuter rail service to the Town of
Wickenburg was identified beyond 2030.
Under the conceptual operating plan, it is
proposed that service would connect
downtown Wickenburg to downtown
Phoenix.
Planning reference
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Study or Plan Date Applicability Comments
CANAMEX Corridor
Overview
2007 The CANAMEX Corridor would utilize
US 93 north of the Town of Wickenburg. The
alignment south of Wickenburg is not
currently identified; however, it is
anticipated to bypass the town, potentially
using the planned Hassayampa Freeway
corridor.
Planning reference
Open Space and Trails Plans
Wickenburg
Community Trails
Master Plan
Ongoing This effort will result in identification of key
access points and staging areas for the trails
system on BLM land, which will be
important locations for connectivity to
Wickenburg.
Planning reference
for trail connections
Vulture Mountains
Recreation Area
Master Plan
2012 This effort resulted in identification of key
facility development sited in concert with
locating staging areas for the trails system,
which will be important locations for
connectivity to Wickenburg. In addition, the
development of this area as a BLM and
County Cooperative Regional Management
Area may promote additional visitation to
Wickenburg and may affect travel patterns.
Planning reference
for future
cooperative
management, park
development, and
phasing.
Preliminary
Wickenburg Regional
Trails Plan
2009 The assessment of critical trail corridors was
integrated into the overall inventory of the
existing trails network.
Planning reference
for initial
alternatives
recommendations
Arizona Trails 2010: A
Statewide Motorized
and Non-motorized
Trails Plan
2009 This plan provides guidelines and
recommendations for trail use, management
and identification of future trails throughout
the state. These recommendations should be
considered when identifying alternatives for
this study.
Planning reference
Maricopa County
Parks and Recreation
Strategic System
Master Plan
2009 Recommendations and guidelines identified
in this system master plan should be taken
under consideration throughout the
development of alternatives for this study.
Planning reference
Source: Project Team, 2011.
1.5 FINAL REPORT ORGANIZATION
The remainder of this report is organized as follows:
Chapter 2: Existing and Future Conditions – Provides a summary level analysis of the existing
conditions and future deficiencies for the Town of Wickenburg and the surrounding areas that
was compiled in Working Paper 1 – Existing Conditions and Future Deficiencies. This information
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provides an understanding of the baseline conditions and future growth patterns that could
affect travel patterns or open space/trails needs.
Chapter 3: Issues – Describes the trails, open space, and transportation issues that were
identified based on stakeholder input, and the analysis of existing conditions and projected
future deficiencies as identified in Working Paper 2 – Key Trails and Transportation Issues and
Alternatives.
Chapter 4: Evaluation of Alternatives – Describes the evaluation criteria that were applied to
each alternative and the recommendations that resulted from the evaluation as identified in
Working Paper 3 – Preliminary Plan for Improvements.
Chapter 5: Plan for Improvements – Summarizes recommendations for prioritizing
improvements (over short-, mid-, and long-term) that are based on the evaluation in Working
Paper 3 – Preliminary Plan for Improvements and subsequent public input. In addition, potential
funding opportunities have been identified that could help the Town of Wickenburg address
implementation costs.
Chapter 6: Conclusion – Describes potential next steps towards implementing the
recommendations.
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2.0 EXISTING AND FUTURE CONDITIONS
An analysis of the existing and future conditions for the Town of Wickenburg and its
surrounding areas will provide an understanding of the baseline conditions and future growth
that could affect travel patterns or open space/trails needs. This section addresses the following
elements:
• Land Use and Development Patterns;
• Socioeconomic Characteristics;
• Transportation; and
• Trails and Open Space.
Data were collected for the municipal planning area that was identified for the ongoing update
of the Town of Wickenburg General Plan 2025. This area encompasses downtown Wickenburg
and outlying growth areas that are currently undergoing major trails and recreation planning
efforts, and potential growth areas to the west and north of downtown Wickenburg.
2.1 LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS
Over 90 percent of the study area is undeveloped and the majority of this area is Arizona State
Trust Land or federal land managed by the BLM. Low density residential (<1 du/acre)
developments are located in Wickenburg and nearby communities including Morristown,
Forepaugh, and Aguila. Existing, medium density residential (1-4 du/acre) development is
typically concentrated near downtown Wickenburg and along Wickenburg Way. Commercial
land uses comprise less than one percent of the total land within the study area. The limited
commercial developments are located along US 60 and US 93 within the town limits as well as
near the Wickenburg Airport.
Future land uses are identified in the draft General Plan 2025, as illustrated in Figure 2. The
plan identifies areas of commercial and mixed use developments surrounding downtown
Wickenburg that transition into single family high density (5-10 du/acre) and medium density
(2-5 du/acre) developments outside of the downtown core. Commercial developments are also
identified along both US 60 and US 93 alignments throughout town and into southern Yavapai
County. Low density (0-2 du/acre) and rural residential (<1 du/acre) compromise the majority of
the remaining land use designations throughout the study area. An enhanced employment and
industrial core is projected for the area surrounding the airport along the western edge of the
town. The future land uses on Figure 2 reflect the 2011 draft of the General Plan Update and
may be subject to change prior to adoption by Council of the General Plan Update.
2.2 SOCIOECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS
A review of existing and future population and employment growth trends was conducted to
understand the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics in the study area. Due to the
location of the study area on the border of Maricopa and Yavapai Counties, both MAG regional
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data as well as US Census data were used for this analysis. MAG data are organized by
Transportation Analysis Zones (TAZs) within the study area while the US Census data are
broken down by census blocks.
2.2.1 Existing Population
According to Census data, Maricopa and Yavapai Counties had populations of 3,817,117 people
and 211,033 people, respectively, in 2010. The study area has a 2010 population of 12,945 people;
Wickenburg accounts for 6,363 people, approximately 49 percent of the study area (US Census
Bureau 2011). Since the 2000 census, each of these areas has experienced various levels of
population growth. Table 2 identifies population growth for the study area compared to growth
throughout Arizona, Maricopa and Yavapai Counties, and the Town of Wickenburg.
Table 2 Existing Population – 2000 and 2010 Census Data
Area 2000 2010 Percent Growth
Wickenburg 5,082 6,363 25%
Study Area 11,688 12,945 11%
Yavapai County 167,517 211,033 26%
Maricopa County 3,072,149 3,817,117 24%
Arizona 5,130,632 6,392,017 25%
Source: US Census Bureau 2011
Transportation planning in Maricopa County generally is based on MAG data for TAZs. Based
on the initial 2005 MAG population data, estimates for 2010 showed growth to over 4.2 million
people countywide and over 9,000 people in the Town of Wickenburg (see Table 3). When
compared to Census information, MAG 2010 projections overestimated 2010 population growth
by more than 10 percent throughout Maricopa County and more than 42 percent for the Town
of Wickenburg.
Table 3 Existing Population – MAG Data
Area 2005 2010 Percent Growth
Wickenburg 8,250 9,048 10%
Study Area 9,606 11,022 15%
Maricopa County 3,681,025 4,216,499 15%
Source: Maricopa Association of Governments 2007a
2.2.2 Future Population
The analysis of future population is based on MAG population projections as well as the
application of potential growth rates to Census 2010 data consistent with the recent Town of
Wickenburg General Plan 2025. Population projections have not been prepared for Yavapai
County.
R 06 W R 05 W R 04 W
T 07 N T 08 N
BNSF Railway
Arizona and California Railroad
BNSF Railway
Matthie
Vulture
Mountains
Recreation Area
Cherokee Lane (Planned)
Hassayampa Freeway (Planned)
Yavapai County
Maricopa County
Source:
Base Map: ADOT 2009, ALRIS 1997-2010,
BTS 2011, ESRI 2011
Yavapai County Zoning: Yavapai County 2010
Future Landuse: Town of Wickenburg 2011
Future Land Use and
Transportation
0 1 2
Miles
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Figure 2
LEGEND
General Reference Features
Town of Wickenburg Boundary
County Boundary
U.S. Highway
State Route
Local Road
Railroad
Wickenburg Municipal Airport
Township and Range
Boundary
Section Boundary
Hassayampa River
Preserve
Vulture Mountains
Recreation Area
Study Area Boundary
Surface Management
Bureau of Land Management
State Trust*
Private
Future Land Use
Rural Residential (.25 to 1.0 du/ac)
Single Family Low Density (0-2 du/ac)
Single Family Medium Density (2-5 du/ac)
Single Family High Density (5-10 du/ac)
Multi-Family Residential (10+ du/ac)
Mixed Use
Commercial
Employment/Industrial
Public Facility
Resort Health Facility
Open Space
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Planned Roadway
Arterial
Freeway
*If not signed as open to public, State
Land recreation permit required to cross.
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MAG projections show increased population growth areas along the US 60 and Hassayampa
River corridors within the Town of Wickenburg and areas to the southeast. As identified in
Table 4, the population in the study area within the MAG region is projected to grow to nearly
18,000 people by the year 2030, an increase of almost 85 percent from 2005. In that same time
period, the Town of Wickenburg is expected to grow to over 13,500 people, an increase of
64 percent from 2005. It should be noted that the 2010 Census data indicated that the Town of
Wickenburg had a population of about 6,363 in 2010, which suggests that these projections are
based on a high estimate for 2005.
Table 4 Future Population – MAG Projections
Area 2005 2010 2020 2030
Wickenburg 8,250 9,048 10,932 13,562
Study Area 9,606 11,022 13,311 17,732
Maricopa County 3,681,025 4,216,499 5,230,300 6,135,000
Source: Maricopa Association of Governments 2007a
The Town of Wickenburg General Plan 2025 identifies three different growth rate scenarios for
the town between 2010 and 2025. Applying historic (2.3 percent annually), moderate
(3.0 percent annually), and aggressive (5.0 percent annually) growth rates allows for a range of
future population scenarios. The data in Table 5 show an application of this range of growth
rates to the 2010 Census population numbers. If the historic growth rate continues, the Town of
Wickenburg would be expected to increase about 40 percent by 2025. MAG’s population
projections correspond with the more aggressive development scenario.
Table 5 Future Population – Town of Wickenburg Projections
Area 2010 2015 2020 2025
Historical Growth Rate (2.3%) 6,363 7,129 7,989 8,951
Moderate Growth Rate (3%) 6,363 7,378 8,553 9,915
Aggressive Growth Rate (5%) 6,363 8,121 10,365 13,228
Source: Town of Wickenburg 2011b; US Census Bureau 2010
For detailed information on additional demographic characteristics throughout the Town of
Wickenburg including environmental justice considerations refer to Working Paper 1 – Existing
Conditions and Future Deficiencies.
2.2.3 Employment
According to MAG data, employers within the Town of Wickenburg provided nearly 90 percent
of all jobs in the Maricopa County portion of the study area in 2005, supplying over 4,000 jobs.
Future growth projections suggest that job growth in Wickenburg will more than double by
2030. Comparatively, the study area is expected to experience an even greater increase in total
employment (144 percent) over that same time period.
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May 2012
Table 6 identifies the existing and future employment projections for the Town and study area
based on MAG data. Note that 2010 data identified in Table 6 are derived from an estimate
based on 2005 information and does not reflect current 2010 employment data from the
US Census.
Table 6 Employment Change – MAG Data
Area 2005 2010 2020 2030
Percent
Change
Wickenburg 4,384 5,512 7,295 9,620 119%
Study Area 5,055 6,622 8,921 12,316 144%
Maricopa County 1,747,532 2,157,424 2,788,101 3,378,800 93%
Source: Maricopa Association of Governments 2007a
2.3 TRANSPORTATION
An inventory of the current transportation system throughout the town and the study area was
conducted to assess current conditions on the transportation network and identify any current
or anticipated deficiencies. A detailed analysis of the existing and future transportation
conditions surrounding Wickenburg including functional street classification, traffic volumes,
levels of service, intersection controls, parking, transit service, railroad characteristics, traffic
patterns, and aviation can be found in Working Paper 1 – Existing Conditions and Future
Deficiencies.
2.3.1 Existing Roadways
The Town of Wickenburg has three primary arterial streets that provide regional connectivity.
US 93 is considered an arterial roadway within town limits and provides regional access from
the northwest, ultimately reaching I-40 near Kingman, Arizona. US 60, also an arterial roadway
throughout Wickenburg known as West Wickenburg Way, provides regional connectivity to the
west as well as to Phoenix and Interstate 10 (I-10) to the southeast. Tegner Street is being
reclassified as a rural minor arterial. The remaining streets in Wickenburg are minor collectors
and local streets that provide access to commercial and residential areas of the town.
2.3.2 Planned Network Improvements
Future network improvements are expected to be limited to localized intersection
improvements, local trail and multi-modal improvements and local street connection
improvements. Local improvements to US 60 through the Town of Wickenburg include
widening to four through lanes and adding a multi-use path on the north side. Regional
improvements include planned alignments of the Hassayampa Freeway, also known as
Interstate 11 (I-11), west of Wickenburg. Connection to the I-11 is shown through a future
service interchange planned at US 60. In addition, Vulture Mine Road is planned as a future
Arizona Parkway that will connect US 93 north of Wickenburg to the planned Hassayampa
Freeway southwest of the town limits. According to the Maricopa County Department of
Transportation (MCDOT) Design Guideline Recommendations for the Arizona Parkway (2008),
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Transportation Study
14
May 2012
the standard minimum roadway right-of-way (ROW) for this corridor should be 200 feet.
Currently, Maricopa County owns and/or maintains roughly 65 feet of ROW along Vulture
Mine Road within Wickenburg town limits.
2.3.3 Existing and Future Traffic Volumes
The three major roadways located throughout the study area are all part of the ADOT traffic
count program. Table 7 presents the 2010 average day traffic (ADT) on each segment of the
roadways, both within and approaching Wickenburg. In general, traffic volumes are higher
within Wickenburg compared to volumes outside the town limits.
Table 7 Existing and Forecasted Arterial Highway Volumes
Highway Segment Classification 2010 ADT 2031 ADT
US 60 Aguila to Wickenburg Airport Rural Highway 1,500 2,630
US 60 Wickenburg Airport to Vulture Mine Road Rural Highway 4,000 6,300
US 60 Vulture Mine Road to US 93 Major Arterial 13,000 18,330
US 60 US 93 to Mockingbird Road Major Arterial 15,500 21,830
US 60 Mockingbird Road to SR 74 Major Arterial 11,500 19,640
US 60 SR 74 to Wittman Major Arterial 8,300 20,490
US 93 SR 89 to Vulture Mine Road Major Arterial 10,500 12,750
US 93 Vulture Mine Road to US 60 Major Arterial 9,4000 11,950
Note: Shaded cells represent sections of roadway within the Town of Wickenburg
Source: Arizona Department of Transportation 2011
Traffic volumes in the Wickenburg area are expected to increase based on 2031 regional
transportation plans and forecasts. Future land use projections result in an annual increase in
traffic of about 2 percent per year. Extended over a 21-year time frame to the year 2031, volumes
within Wickenburg are forecast to be 1.5 to 2 times more than existing volumes. Forecast
volumes for arterial and major collectors within Wickenburg are also provided in Table 7.
As illustrated on Figure 3, the future Level of Service (LOS) conditions result in a daily LOS C
or better on all arterial and major collector roadways throughout the Wickenburg area based on
the 2031 daily forecast volumes illustrated in Table 7.
The assessment of traffic volumes and level of service indicates that current and anticipated
future levels of service are acceptable within the study area. Projected growth areas are located
within the Town along key thoroughfares (US 93 and Wickenburg Way) and to the north along
US 93 into Yavapai County. Available data suggest that the capacity of the current roadways
appears to be adequate to meet the needs of the current and future population.
2.3.4 Existing and Planned Transit Service
In 2006, Valley Metro introduced regional bus service to the Town of Wickenburg, however
that service was discontinued in October 2011. Route 660, the Wickenburg Connector, had
provided four buses per day between the Arrowhead Towne Center in Glendale, Arizona, and
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May 2012
Wickenburg. Currently, the town does not have any internal transit operations and the draft
2025 General Plan Update has identified a need to provide future service.
Future regional transit services to Wickenburg have been included in long-range planning
efforts. MAG has conducted studies of a potential Grand Avenue commuter rail corridor that
would extend from downtown Phoenix to Morristown and/or Wickenburg along the existing
BNSF rail corridor that parallels US 60. The timeline for providing service to downtown
Wickenburg is unknown and funding has yet to be identified.
2.4 TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE
Within this study, the discussion of open space encompasses designated protected areas and
public land that is managed for recreation use; trails and trailheads; and developed recreation
facilities such as parks and campgrounds. Trails and trailhead facilities or staging areas may be
designed for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, equestrian use, or both. This section provides an
inventory of the existing trails and open space network within the study area based on available
studies and mapping. The discussion of existing trails and open space within the study area is
focused on (1) trails networks, (2) trailheads and staging areas, and (3) park and recreation
facilities.
2.4.1 Trails Networks
Maricopa County and BLM are developing a cooperative agreement to manage existing trails
networks within the study area and are engaged in major planning efforts to designate roads
and trails for both motorized and non-motorized uses. These regional planning efforts provide
the framework of opportunities for the Town to connect with key access points to major
recreational areas. Wickenburg is situated in the center of these ongoing planning efforts: (1) the
Community Trails Master Plan, which will identify staging areas and trails on BLM-managed
land in the study area, and (2) the master plan process for the Vulture Mountains Recreation
Area, which will outline the County’s management of this area including the development and
operation of activity nodes in the park. The recreational nodes would be located near the
Hassayampa River Preserve/ADOT rest area and along Vulture Mine Road (see Figure 4).
Possible activities and facilities could include pedestrian/bike, equestrian, and motorized
staging areas and trails; picnic and camping areas; natural and historical interpretation;
recreation activity concessions; and hunting.
R 06 W R 05 W R 04 W
T 07 N T 08 N
Arizona and California Railroad
Allah
BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
Mariposa Dr.
Constellation Rd.
Tegner St.
Vulture Mine Rd.
Vulture Mine Rd.
Vulture Mountains
Recreation Area
W. Wickenburg Wy.
E. Wickenburg Wy.
Cherokee Lane (Planned)
Hassayampa Freeway (Planned)
Yavapai County
Maricopa County
6,300
19,640
21,830
12,750
18,330
2,630
11,950
Source:
Base Map: ADOT 2008-2011, ALRIS 1997-2010,
BTS 2011
Traffic Data: ADOT 2011
Transportation- 2031 Conditions
0 1 2
Miles
P:\TRANSPORTATION\ADOT_TPD\23446062_Wickenburg_Trails_Study\GIS\mxds\Final_Report\Traffic_Volumes_2031_Final.mxd ( BLC 5/21/2012)
Figure 3
LEGEND
Study Area Boundary
2031 Level of Sevice (LOS)
A
B
C
Functional Classification
Principal Arterial
Collector Street
Local Road
Planned Roadway
Arterial
Freeway
General Reference Features
Town of Wickenburg Boundary
County Boundary
U.S. Highway
State Highway
Railroad
Wickenburg Municipal Airport
Township and Range
Boundary
Section Boundary
Hassayampa River
Preserve
Vulture Mountains
Recreation Area
Traffic Features
Highway Junction
Roundabout
Traffic Signal
11,950 = Daily Volume (2031)
Traffic Volumes
Surface Management
Bureau of Land Management
State Trust*
Private
*If not signed as open to public, State
Land recreation permit required to cross.
R 06 W R 05 W R 04 W
T 06 N T 07 N T 08 N
R 11 W R 10 W R 09 W R 08 W R 07 W
T 05 N T 09 N
R 03 W
To Boulders OHV
Staging Area
Box Canyon
Sophie's Flat
Arizona and California Railroad
Stanton
Octave
Sand Mill
Congress Junction
Congress
Flores
Matthie
Morristown
Ambrosia Mill
Gladden
Aguila Forepaugh
Constellation
BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
Vulture
Mountains
Recreation Area
Vulture Mine Road
See Figure 5
Tres Alamos
Wilderness
Hassayampa
River Canyon
Wilderness
Harquahala
Mountains
Wilderness
Hummingbird
Springs
Wilderness
VULTURE
MOUNTAINS
ACEC
Yavapai County
La Paz County
Yavapai County
Maricopa County
La Paz County
Maricopa County
7
18
2
16
3 1
22
11
8
10
15
9
4
13
14
21
6
5
17
20
19
12
Buckshot
Mine
Vulture
Peak
Constellation
Blue Tank
Source:
Base Map: ADOT 2009, ALRIS 1997-2010,
BTS 2011
Trails: Maricopa County 2011, BLM 2011,
Town of Wickenburg 2003
Critical Corridors: Wickenburg Conservation
Foundation 2009
Regional Existing and Planned
Trails and Open Space Network
0 2 4 6 8 10
Miles
P:\TRANSPORTATION\ADOT_TPD\23446062_Wickenburg_Trails_Study\GIS\mxds\Final_Report\Trails_Final.mxd ( BLC 5/21/2012)
Figure 4
LEGEND
General Reference Features
Town of Wickenburg Boundary
County Boundary
Township and Range Boundary
U.S. Highway
State Highway
Local Road
Railroad
Wickenburg Municipal Airport
Township and Range
Boundary
Area of Critical
Environmental
Concern (ACEC)
Wilderness
Hassayampa River
Preserve
Vulture Mountains
Recreation Area
Town Park
School
Trails and Trailheads
BLM Designated Trails (Draft)
Open to All Uses
Vehicles 24" or Less
Vehicles 60" or Less
Non-Motorized Use Only
BLM Future Trails (Draft)
Open to All Uses
Vehicles 60" or Less
Vehicles 24" or Less and
Non-Motorized Use Only
Non-Motorized Use Only
Maricopa Regional Trail System
Wickenburg Town Trail
Proposed County Activity
Node/Trailhead
Proposed BLM Staging Areas
Surface Management
Bureau of Land Management
State Trust*
Private
Study Area Boundary
Preliminary Critical Corridors
Primary Critical Corridor
Secondary Critical Corridor
*If not signed as open to public, State
Land recreation permit required to cross.
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May 2012
Maricopa County has several planned non-motorized trail corridors as part of the Maricopa
Trail System in the study area, as shown in Figure 4. Additionally, BLM is developing the
Wickenburg Community Trails Master Plan for public land within its Wickenburg Community
Recreation Management Zone. The draft Trails Master Plan proposes the various existing and
new roads and trails on public land as closed, seasonal, non-motorized, motorized, and open to
all as shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 also illustrates Primary and Secondary Critical Corridors,
which resulted from prior studies and were determined based on the highest priorities for
obtaining formal or permanent trail easements. Detailed descriptions of regional trail corridors
throughout the Wickenburg area are provided in Working Paper 1 – Existing Conditions and
Future Deficiencies.
2.4.2 Trailheads and Staging Areas
Just like the casual-use trails, there are many casual-use trailheads and staging areas on private,
State Trust, and public land. The Town does not have any formal trailheads; however, it has
obtained a grant to develop the Kerkes property as a staging area and trailhead, located south of
downtown and adjacent to The Nature Conservancy’s Pulte Mitigation parcel. This location
would enable access for motorized trail users to the north and non-motorized trail users to the
south. In addition, a series of borrow pits was created when the US 93 bypass was constructed;
these are informally used by Town residents for recreation including fishing and camping.
Wickenburg is considering designating the borrow pits as a recreation area for day-use,
equestrian staging, and camping. These opportunities are centrally located and would facilitate
access to the regional trail system.
BLM’s Vulture Peak Trail is accessible to passenger vehicles just off Vulture Mine Road and
leads to Stewart trailhead and accessible to 4-wheel drive vehicles further up the mountain.
Sophie’s Flat Trailhead has a day-use parking area and an overnight staging area. Equestrians
and hikers use the non-motorized trail system and motorized trail users use the surrounding
casual-use “trails” and washes.
2.4.3 Park and Recreation Facilities
The Town has seven parks, all with picnic areas, as shown on Figure 5. Stone, Boetto, Maguire,
and Festival parks are neighborhood parks near the town center. Festival Park consists of the
former US 60 bridge over the Hassayampa River and its approaches. Coffinger Park, north of
the town center, is a community park with sports facilities and a swimming pool. It is on the
north edge of Sols Wash and separated from it by a floodwall. Sunset Park is a west side
community park with sports facilities. Constellation Park, on the east end of town, is a regional-level
park with rodeo grounds, recreational vehicle (RV) camping, and shooting ranges. The
Wickenburg Community Center is near the town center on the south side of Sols Wash and
separated from it by a floodwall. The site provides facilities for recreational vehicles.
The Town does not have any district-level parks. According to town park standards, there is a
current shortage in neighborhood and district parks. Town of Wickenburg staff indicated a
need for organized sports fields (football, baseball) and other district-level facilities.
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May 2012
2.4.4 Legal Access and Land Ownership Issues
The most significant issue associated with trail connectivity is legal access across private and
state land, both within the Town and between the Town and public land. A formal and informal
trail network crosses the Town and the region and is used by both residents and visitors to the
area’s guest ranches and recreation areas. Prior studies have indicated that trails connectivity is
a key issue to address through acquisition of formal rights-of-way and signage/communication
to users as to how trails are properly accessed. The current informal trail system relies in part on
traversing privately owned and State Trust lands for which formal ROW may not be present.
If a formal easement is not in place, state law requires an ASLD recreation permit and OHV tag
to cross State Trust land. Trust lands may be sold for development, especially those parcels near
the Town, and without a formal easement trails and access could disappear. Some land in the
Hassayampa River and along street and road rights-of-way is owned by the Town and ADOT.
The Town of Wickenburg has been working with landowners and ASLD to address issues
associated with informal trail use across their properties.
Legal access issues extend to some maintained roads. Some sections of existing roads are
currently located on trust land without a formal ROW but are maintained by Maricopa and/or
Yavapai County. Roads within the study area currently maintained by Maricopa County
include parts of Constellation Road, Rincon Road, and Vulture Mine Road. Yavapai County also
maintains parts of Constellation and Rincon Road.
R 06 W R 05 W R 04 W
T 07 N T 08 N
Sophie's Flat
Box Canyon
Arizona and California Railroad
Matthie
Allah
Constellation
BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
Vulture
Mountains
Recreation Area
Constellation Park
Coffinger Park
Maguire Park
Sunset Park
Stone Park
Boetto Park
Vulture Mine Road
W. Wickenburg Wy.
Constellation Rd.
Tegner St.
Mariposa Dr.
E. Wickenburg Wy.
Yavapai County
Maricopa County
14
20
13
18
2
15
3
1
4
22
8
10
9
12
19
Blue
Tank
Source:
Base Map: ADOT 2009, ALRIS 1997-2010,
BTS 2011
Trails: Maricopa County 2011, BLM 2011,
Town of Wickenburg 2003
Critical Corridors: Wickenburg Conservation
Foundation 2009
Town of Wickenburg Existing
and Planned Trails and Open
Space Network
0 1 2
Miles
P:\TRANSPORTATION\ADOT_TPD\23446062_Wickenburg_Trails_Study\GIS\mxds\Final_Report\Trails_Detail_Final.mxd ( BLC 5/21/2012)
Figure 5
LEGEND
General Reference Features
Town of Wickenburg Boundary
County Boundary
U.S. Highway
State Highway
Local Road
Railroad
Wickenburg Municipal Airport
Township and Range
Boundary
Section Boundary
Hassayampa River
Preserve
Vulture Mountains
Recreation Area
Trails and Trailheads
BLM Designated Trails (Draft)
Open to All Uses
Vehicles 60" or Less
Non-Motorized Use Only
BLM Future Trails (Draft)
Open to All Uses
Vehicles 60" or Less
Vehicles 24" or Less and
Non-Motorized Use Only
Non-Motorized Use Only
Maricopa Regional Trail System
Wickenburg Town Trail
Proposed County Activity
Node/Trailhead
Proposed BLM Staging Areas
Surface Management
Bureau of Land Management
State Trust*
Private
Study Area Boundary
Town Parks and Open Space
Borrow Pits
Proposed Trailhead
School
Town Park
Preliminary Critical Corridors (See Fig. 4)
Primary Critical Corridor
Secondary Critical Corridor
*If not signed as open to public, State
Land recreation permit required to cross.
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May 2012
3.0 ISSUES
The initial study tasks were focused on understanding the key issues to be addressed in
promoting connectivity in the study area. Input was provided by the Town of Wickenburg,
TAC members, the public and stakeholder groups to identify important issues throughout this
study.
3.1 KEY TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE ISSUES
Trails and recreation/open space uses throughout the Town of Wickenburg and the
surrounding area are woven into the fabric of the community. The Town of Wickenburg is
pursuing the development of a trail network that seamlessly integrates the Town with regional
recreation amenities. However, as identified in Working Paper 1 – Existing and Future
Conditions, the study area includes a mix of federal, State Trust, and privately owned land that
host numerous informal trails but no formally designated system outside of BLM-managed
land. The following items were identified as key issues regarding the future of the trails and
open space network in the study area:
1. OHV use on private land and liability issues, particularly at Box Canyon – Box
Canyon, located northwest of Wickenburg city limits, is considered by Wickenburg to be
a significant recreation draw, an important generator of visitors that support local
businesses, and an amenity to residents. OHV use on private inholdings within the Box
Canyon area causes liability and trespass issues because it is not designated as a public
OHV area.
2. Legal access on currently used trails – Throughout the study area, there are informal
use trails without legal easements across land managed by ASLD and private owners. It
is critical to obtain the appropriate easements and to acquire the necessary ROW to
legalize the motorized and/or non-motorized use of existing trails in order to consolidate
use areas, manage trail use, guide users to a trail system, and be able to reserve ROW for
the protection of future access.
3. Prioritization of needed actions on key trail corridors – There is a need to identify and
prioritize key trail and open space corridors located on State Trust and private land.
4. Signage and wayfinding – Comments from the public consistently noted that it is
difficult to understand where and how to access trails.
5. Development and maintenance of trails and staging areas to meet demand – The
campground near the rodeo grounds on Constellation Road is a high-use facility and
could be expanded. A new staging area that is under development near downtown
Wickenburg is expected to be at capacity as soon as it opens. The demand for parking,
staging, and access to the trail network is expected to grow as visitation increases due to
the establishment of Vulture Mountains as a recreation area and the master planning/
designation of trails on BLM-managed land draw additional visitors.
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May 2012
6. Designated staging areas in Wickenburg – Currently, there are no designated staging
areas located within the Town of Wickenburg. Planners in Wickenburg would like to
connect with the regional trails and open space network, by providing locations where
trail and OHV users can park and access recreation areas in and around Wickenburg.
7. Potential for user conflicts – Although conflicts between OHV and equestrian trail users
are not presently identified as a major issue, there is potential for this to occur. Horses
may be affected by the noise and speed of OHVs.
8. Overall connectivity – Improving the overall connectivity of the regional trails and open
space network would link downtown Wickenburg with the regional trail system,
promoting visitation in town and making Wickenburg a focal point for visitors to the
area.
3.2 KEY TRANSPORTATION ISSUES
The foundation of the transportation network in Wickenburg consists of two regional highways
(US 60 and US 93) and a major arterial road (Vulture Mine Road). There are several collector
streets and many local roadways, some paved and some not. While there were no significant
transportation deficiencies identified in Working Paper 1 – Existing and Future Conditions, there
are some issues that could warrant attention as future development occurs. The following were
identified as key issues regarding the transportation network in Wickenburg:
1. Internal circulation – Currently, the majority of internal roadway circulation occurs on
US 60, US 93, Vulture Mine Road, and Tegner Street; local roads generally do not
provide cross-town movement. The identification of north/south and east/west cross
town alternatives to function as collector roadways would improve access and
circulation throughout town and lessen the amount of traffic and congestion on local
roadways in the future.
2. Pavement maintenance and dust control – Many of the local roadways in Wickenburg
are dirt roads. Other roads have been paved but not properly maintained and require
improvements. Roadway improvements such as paving, pavement repair, and dust
control will enhance the functionality of the existing network.
3. Signage and wayfinding – Improved signage and wayfinding would connect
recreational visitors to their destinations and promote regional amenities. Wayfinding
signs would connect trails with Wickenburg, directing visitors to designated trails and
making the Town the starting point for the visitor experience.
4. Downtown parking – Stakeholder discussions indicated a need for parking in
downtown Wickenburg, especially during special events.
5. Sidewalk connections – While most neighborhoods have sidewalks, many subdivisions
and neighborhoods do not connect to the existing sidewalk network within town. It is
important to identify locations for improved sidewalk connections and create future
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Transportation Study
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May 2012
development standards to enable improved non-vehicular connectivity and circulation
around Wickenburg.
6. Access management – A long-term strategy for access management would maintain the
flow of traffic along US 93 and US 60 in and around Wickenburg into the future.
Multiple driveways that are close together may cause congestion and safety issues as
cars merge with higher-speed vehicles along the highway.
7. Transit service – There is no internal transit service for the town. The identification of
multi-modal options could improve overall circulation in the future and enable non-drivers
to get around town.
8. Improved railroad crossing infrastructure – Wickenburg is concerned about inadequate
truck clearance under the railroad crossing along Wickenburg Way. Analysis of the
truck clearance and/or the identification of an alternate truck route are potential
solutions to the railroad crossing clearance.
9. Roadway access to trails and open space areas – Access to existing and planned
recreation, trails, and open space areas is limited on the current roadway network.
Paving or enhanced access to these areas would improve overall circulation, particularly
as visitation increases due to the establishment of Vulture Mountains as a recreation
area.
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Transportation Study
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May 2012
4.0 EVALUATION OF ALTERNATIVES
Based on stakeholder and public input, this development of alternatives focused on the
following key objectives:
1. Connect Wickenburg with public land trail systems along legal, publicly accessible trail
and roadway corridors.
2. Provide opportunities for many transportation modes including vehicular, pedestrian,
bicycle, and equestrian.
3. Encourage tourists to visit downtown Wickenburg as part of their travel route, thereby
supporting local businesses and promoting Wickenburg as a hub for regional recreation
opportunities.
4.1 CHARACTERIZATION OF TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE ALTERNATIVES
Table 8 describes each of the corridors illustrated in Figure 6, grouped by the key connections to
be made. The connections identified in Figure 6 include some routes along existing arterials that
are identified specifically for bike lanes or multi-use paths modeled after the existing path along
Wickenburg Way (between Mariposa Drive and Sunset Park). The other connections link
Wickenburg with regional recreation destinations and may be developed for bike, pedestrian,
equestrian, OHV, or a combination of these modes.
Table 8 Potential Corridors for Wickenburg Area Trail Network
Key
Connections
Corridors to Make the
Connection
Key Opportunities and
Constraints
Connect Wickenburg to
Vulture Mountains Recreation
Area
Vulture Mine Road Expand ROW to enable multi-use path
separated from traffic, could connect
with existing multi-use path on
Wickenburg Way.
From Mariposa Drive, across
State Trust Land
Current trail use occurs throughout
this area, provides direct connection
from residential area to Vulture
Mountains Recreation Area. Easement
acquisition would be required across
State Trust Land.
Vulture Peak Road via
Vulture Mine Road
Connects Stewart Trailhead along
Vulture Peak Road to the Vulture
Mountains Recreation Area. Easement
acquisition would be required across
State Trust Land.
Hassayampa River/BNSF
Railway corridor
Direct connection to downtown and
northern destinations via Hassayampa
River. Trail use is designated as non-motorized
in the Hassayampa River
Preserve and on BLM trails in this part
of the Vulture Mountains Recreation
Area.
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May 2012
Key
Connections
Corridors to Make the
Connection
Key Opportunities and
Constraints
Connect Wickenburg to BLM
trails system (Sophie’s Flat
and points east)
Rincon Road Existing unpaved road connects to
BLM designated trail system.
Blue Tank Wash Current trail use occurs in this area.
Easement acquisition required from
private owners and State Trust Land.
Constellation Road Connects with popular existing
campground and rodeo facilities. ROW
issues require resolution.
Calamity Wash Easement acquisition required from
private owners and State Trust Land.
Also crosses BLM-managed land.
Connect Wickenburg to Box
Canyon
Scenic Loop Road Existing road provides direct
connection to BLM trail system. Box
Canyon is an extremely popular OHV
area to the north of Wickenburg.
Rincon Road Existing unpaved road connects to
BLM designated trail system.
Enhance in-town multimodal
connectivity
Connect Coffinger Park, Sols
Wash, and Borrow Pit Area
Access has been cut off by fences,
berms, and construction of SR 93
bypass.
Extend existing multi-use path
west of Sunset Park and east
into downtown
Expansion of existing path on the north
side of Wickenburg Way.
Notes: BLM = Bureau of Land Management
BNSF Railway = Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway
OHV = off-highway vehicle
ROW = right-of-way
SR = State Route
R 06 W R 05 W R 04 W
T 06 N T 07 N T 08 N
Matthie
BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
Arizona and California Railroad
Sophie's
Flat
Vulture
Mountains
Recreation Area
Constellation Park
Coffinger Park
Maguire Park
Sunset Park
Stone Park
Boetto Park
To
Box Canyon
Vulture Mine Road
W. Wickenburg Wy.
Constellation Rd.
Tegner St.
Mariposa Dr.
E. Wickenburg Wy.
Vulture Peak Road
Scenic
Loop Road
Rincon Road
Yavapai County
Maricopa County
Vulture
Peak
Blue
Tank
Flying E Wash
Yucca Flat Wash
Hassayampa River
Cemetery Wash
Mockingbird Wash
Turtleback Wash
Blue Tank Wash
Calamity Wash
Hartman Wash
Martinez Wash
Syndicate Wash
Jimmie Wash
Box Wash
Holly Wash
Twin Peaks Wash
Sols Wash
C
B
E
A
D
F
Source:
Base Map: ADOT 2009, ALRIS 1997-2010,
BTS 2011
Trails: Maricopa County 2011, BLM 2011,
Town of Wickenburg 2003
Existing and Planned Open
Space and Trails Network
0 1 2
Miles
P:\TRANSPORTATION\ADOT_TPD\23446062_Wickenburg_Trails_Study\GIS\mxds\Final_Report\Alts_Trails_Detail_Final.mxd ( BLC 5/30/2012)
Figure 6
LEGEND
General Reference Features
Town of Wickenburg Boundary
County Boundary
U.S. Highway
State Highway
Local Road
Railroad
River \ Wash
Wickenburg Municipal Airport
Hassayampa River
Preserve
Vulture Mountains
Recreation Area
Township and Range
Boundary
Section Boundary
Borrow Pit Area
Trails and Trailheads
BLM Designated Trails (Draft)
Open to All Uses
Non-Motorized Use Only
BLM Future Trails (Draft)
Open to All Uses
Vehicles 60" or Less
Vehicles 24" or Less and
Non-Motorized Use Only
Non-Motorized Use Only
Maricopa Regional Trail System
Proposed County Activity
Node/Trailhead
Proposed BLM Staging Areas
Surface Management
Bureau of Land Management
State Trust*
Private
Town Parks and Open Space
Town Park
A = Kerkes Site
B = Borrow Pit Area
C = Mariposa Dr./Turtleback Mountain
D = Constellation Park Campground
E = Coffinger Park
F = Stewart Trailhead
Key Trail Connections
Access to Vulture Mountains Recreation Area
Access to BLM Trail Systems
Access to Box Canyon
Bike Lane/Multi-use Path
A Proposed Recreation Node
NOTE: Dashed lines indicate easements to be acquired.
*If not signed as open to public, State
Land recreation permit required to cross.
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May 2012
The scenario illustrated in Figure 6 shows an extensive trail network with downtown
Wickenburg as a hub. An evaluation was conducted to consider priorities for these
opportunities, based on criteria to assess overall connectivity and acquisition requirements. This
evaluation and public input resulted in the identification of the near-term recommendations.
Each of these criteria is listed below and described in detail in Working Paper 3 – Preliminary
Plan for Improvements.
1. Connects Wickenburg with recreation destinations
2. Consistency with BLM and ASLD plans
3. Community
4. Serves existing populations and planned growth areas
5. Accessibility and availability of right-of-way (ROW)
6. Length of easement
7. Partnership and coordination requirements
Several of the corridors emerge as more favorable due to higher effectiveness in promoting
connectivity and/or reasonable feasibility. These include the corridors along Vulture Mine Road
and Mariposa Drive/ State Trust Land that make the important connection to Vulture
Mountains Recreation Area. Although an easement would be required to connect Mariposa
Drive to the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area across State Trust Land, only one land owner
(the State Trust) would be involved. In addition, the development of an established trail in this
area may serve to consolidate existing use that is currently scattered throughout the property.
Box Canyon is considered to be a critically important and popular destination, and is located
north of Wickenburg within parts of privately owned and BLM-managed land in Yavapai
County. Wickenburg is interested in promoting links between the Town and Box Canyon since
it is such a popular destination. Scenic Loop Road emerged as a recommended corridor for
accessing Box Canyon because it is a legal road; wayfinding to this route is the primary need
given there are multiple other routes to Box Canyon that are not necessarily public easements.
Among the connections to the BLM trail systems to the east of Wickenburg, Constellation Road
is a recommended route for immediate action. There are ROW issues that require resolution on
Constellation Road that should occur prior to any improvements; these include clarification of
ownership and maintenance requirements among ASLD, Wickenburg, MCDOT, and Yavapai
County. Blue Tank Wash is a trail that is currently used in the area and would effectively
connect the Borrow Pit area with the BLM trails system, although establishment of a permanent
easement would require working with multiple property owners.
Refer to Working Paper 3 – Preliminary Plan for Improvements for the results of the detailed
evaluation of trails corridors.
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Transportation Study
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May 2012
4.2 CHARACTERIZATION OF RECREATION NODES
Figure 6 identifies a set of potential recreation nodes (see items A through F). These are options
for the development of staging areas, trailheads, or parking facilities that would provide
amenities to the community and support the planned trails network.
Table 9 lists each of the nodes, opportunities and constraints associated with each location, and
suitable amenities and facilities based on existing conditions and stakeholder input.
Table 9 Potential Recreation Nodes in Wickenburg Area
Recreation Node
(Letter corresponds to
location on Figure 1) Opportunities Constraints
Suitable
Facilities/
Amenities
A Kerkes Site • Under development as
staging area
• Provides access to
Hassayampa River corridor
• Limited space
• Adjacent to Hassayampa
Elementary School
Shelter and picnicking
Trailhead
Restrooms
B Borrow Pits • Currently used by local
residents as recreation spot
(fishing, hiking, staging)
• Access to Blue Tank Wash
and Hassayampa River
corridors
• Relatively large area with
ephemeral ponds
• Land owned by Town and
ADOT
• Located in floodplain,
which may limit the types
of facilities
• Difficult to access
Camping (overnight
staging)
Trailhead
Shelter and picnicking
Portable restrooms
C Mariposa
Drive/Turtleback
Mountain
• Currently used as staging
area and to access State
Trust Land to the south
• Adjacent to undeveloped
State Trust Land
• Must acquire easement to
cross State Trust Land
Camping (overnight
staging)
Trailhead
Shelter and picnicking
Water and restrooms
D Constellation Park • Currently used as
campground, casual
trailhead, and rodeo
grounds
• Town leases from BLM
• Difficult to access water
• Campground expansion
would require lease from
ASLD
Camping (overnight
staging)
Rodeo and other
events
Trailhead
Shelter and picnicking
Gun range
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May 2012
Recreation Node
(Letter corresponds to
location on Figure 1) Opportunities Constraints
Suitable
Facilities/
Amenities
E Coffinger Park
Wickenburg
Community Center
• Access to Sols Wash and
planned Maricopa County
trail system
• Existing RV parking
• Downtown location
• Berm between Community
Center and wash
• Limited parking at
Coffinger Park
• Limited undeveloped space
• ADOT fence between park
and ramp to Sols Wash
• SR 93 bypass cut off access
to Hassayampa River
Trailhead
Limited overnight RV
parking
F Stewart Trailhead • Existing use as trailhead
and access to Vulture Peak
area
• Must acquire easement
across State Trust Land
• Outside of Town limits
Trailhead
A comparison of the options for each recreation node was conducted using the following
criteria:
• Connectivity
• Stakeholder and community input
• Serves existing population density and planned growth areas
All of the recreation nodes experience existing use and could be formalized or expanded. Of the
locations assessed, Stewart Trailhead compares less favorably because of its distant location
from downtown and the existing population. Refer to Working Paper 3 – Preliminary Plan for
Improvements for a detailed evaluation of potential recreation nodes.
4.3 CHARACTERIZATION OF TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES
The analysis conducted as part of Working Paper 1 – Existing Conditions and Future Deficiencies
concluded that Levels of Service for the roadway network are expected to be acceptable into
2030. Thus, the analysis of potential improvements was focused on:
1. Updating the mapping of the primary roadway network in the Wickenburg planning
area
2. Identifying potential new transportation corridors through town that may be required to
respond to future development depending on location and pace of development in
planned growth areas as well as emergency access considerations
3. Noting opportunities to provide transit services to respond to local needs
4. Identifying specific issue areas that could benefit from improvements
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May 2012
Figure 7 illustrates the existing and proposed transportation network throughout the Town of
Wickenburg.
4.3.1 Primary Roadway Network
The primary principal arterial roadways in Wickenburg are US 60, SR 93, and Vulture Mine
Road. Cherokee Lane is planned as a future arterial that would connect the northern portion of
Wickenburg (at Vulture Mine Road) with the proposed I-11/Hassayampa Freeway (see Figure
7). Additional roadway corridors were identified as part of the Town’s primary road network
for preservation, improvement and/or improved maintenance. Table 10 identifies the
components of Wickenburg’s primary roadway network and potential improvements or actions
that have been identified to respond to specific issues.
Table 10 Primary Roadway Network in Wickenburg
Roadway Description Potential Improvements/Actions
Vista Drive • East-west local roadway south of
US 60; not currently a continuous
road between Vulture Mine Road
and South Kellis Road
Improve to continuous roadway to
provide residents alternative to US 60
and access to proposed Mariposa
Drive/Turtleback recreation node.
Tegner Street • Main roadway through downtown
Wickenburg
Parking management
Rincon Road • Runs north from SR 93 into Yavapai
County, serves residences
• Unpaved roadway maintained by
Maricopa and Yavapai Counties
Will continue to be maintained to
provide access to residences and for
emergency services
Blue Tank Drive • Connects Rincon Road and
Constellation Road across BLM-managed
land
• Enables alternative routes back to
Wickenburg for residents, especially
for emergency access
• Unpaved roadway maintained by
Yavapai County
None identified
Constellation
Road
• Connects to US 60
• Provides access from residences and
recreation destinations to downtown
Wickenburg
• Maintained by Maricopa and
Yavapai Counties
Promote coordination among
Wickenburg, Maricopa County, Yavapai
County, and ASLD on issues of
ownership and maintenance
Notes: ASLD = Arizona State Land Department
BLM = Bureau of Land Management
SR = State Route
Matthie
Allah
BNSF Railway
BNSF Railway
Arizona and California Railroad
Vulture
Mountains
Recreation Area
Vulture Mine Road
W. Wickenburg Wy.
Constellation Rd.
Tegner St.
Mariposa Dr.
E. Wickenburg Wy.
Vulture Peak Road
Rincon Road
Hassayampa Freeway (Planned)
Cherokee Lane (Planned)
R 06 W R 05 W R 04 W
T 07 N T 08 N
Yavapai County
Maricopa County
C
B
E
A
D
Source:
Base Map: ADOT 2009, ALRIS 1997-2010,
BTS 2010
Traffic Data: ADOT 2011
Existing and Proposed
Transportation Network
0 1 2
Miles
P:\TRANSPORTATION\ADOT_TPD\23446062_Wickenburg_Trails_Study\GIS\mxds\Final_Report\Alts_Traffic_Final.mxd ( BLC 5/30/2012)
Figure 7
LEGEND
Surface Management
Bureau of Land Management
State Trust*
Private
A = Kerkes Site
B = Borrow Pit Area
C = Mariposa Dr./Turtleback Mountain
D = Constellation Park Campground
E = Coffinger Park
Growth Node
General Reference Features
Town of Wickenburg Boundary
County Boundary
U.S. Highway
State Highway
Local Road
Railroad
River \ Wash
Wickenburg Municipal Airport
Hassayampa River
Preserve
Vulture Mountains
Recreation Area
Township and Range
Boundary
Section Boundary
Future Transportation Corridors
Parking Management
Primary Roadway Network
Roundabouts
Proposed Recreation Node A
*If not signed as open to public, State
Land recreation permit required to cross.
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Transportation Study
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May 2012
4.3.2 Future Transportation Corridors
Potential future transportation corridors were identified based on Town, stakeholder, and
public input as well as the projected growth areas for the Town. Figure 7 identifies these as
broad corridors; specific alignments would require additional site-specific analysis. Table 11
summarizes the recommended future transportation corridors throughout Wickenburg.
Table 11 Future Transportation Corridors
Future Corridor Description Rationale
East-West
alternative to
Wickenburg Way
North of Wickenburg Way and south of
BNSF Railway corridor and Sols Wash
• Improve cross-town connectivity
• Emergency access alternative to
Wickenburg Way
• Additional access to downtown
Wickenburg
Extend Cherokee
Lane to SR 93
Connect SR 93 and Cherokee Lane • Provide local or emergency
alternate route to SR 93
• Improve cross-town connectivity
• More direct connection between
planned Hassayampa Freeway and
SR 93
• Serves planned growth area at
Rincon Road
North-South
corridor
Connect Mariposa Drive to Cherokee
Lane alignment
• More direct north-south access
• Local alternative to SR 93 and
Vulture Mine Road
• Connect future growth nodes
Jack Burden Road East of SR 93, connecting Rincon Road
and Constellation Road
• Local alternative to SR 93
• Improved local emergency access
• Access to planned recreation area at
the borrow pits
Notes: BNSF = Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway
SR = State Route
4.3.3 Transit Service Recommendations
The Wickenburg Connector that provided service between Wickenburg and Surprise was
discontinued in Fall 2011. In its last full fiscal year in operation, the ridership on the
Wickenburg Connector totaled 5,174 weekday riders and 39 Saturday passengers. There are
potentially cost-effective options for accommodating these riders and to serve local need for
transit services that previously were met through the Connector. One option is vanpool service,
which would serve commuters with similar employment destinations. Non-profit federally
supported programs serve elderly and disabled persons in many communities through
volunteer driver, demand-response, or other similar local transportation options. These types of
service may be funded through grant opportunities or public-private partnerships.
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May 2012
4.4 SPECIFIC ISSUE AREAS
In addition to the trails and transportation alternatives identified, there are several specific
actions that are recommended for future pursuit, which include:
Railroad crossing improvement – In its current configuration, the BNSF crossing of
Wickenburg Way located west of downtown Wickenburg is creating issues with under passing
trucks due to height limitations. The crossing configuration requires updates that would allow
the larger trucks travelling along Wickenburg Way to pass safely underneath. According to
town reports, there have been multiple accidents associated with trucks not clearing the
underpass.
Access management policies on SR 93 – The existing land uses along SR 93 north of downtown
Wickenburg extending into Yavapai County include some residential, commercial, and vacant
lands. Currently, access to these areas is direct from SR 93. Future development scenarios
indicate an increase in residential density and commercial land uses. Based on these future
scenarios, it is recommended that an access management plan for new developments along
SR 93 be pursued as a coordinated effort by ADOT, the Town of Wickenburg, and Yavapai
County. Future land uses will require improved access management based on future increased
traffic volume and safety standards.
OHV use of roadways – With the extensive use of OHVs in the area, one area of concern is use
of registered and unregistered OHVs on public roads. Under Arizona statutes (ARS 28-627),
jurisdictions may designate routes on streets and highways for the purpose of allowing OHV
operators to access designated OHV facilities, including unregistered vehicles. OHVs with only
an OHV sticker are considered unregistered. Registered (street legal) OHVs will also have a
typical vehicle registration sticker in addition to the OHV sticker. These designations should be
signed, and may be incorporated into an overall wayfinding program.
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Transportation Study
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May 2012
5.0 PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENTS
Recommendations for prioritizing improvements (over short-, mid-, and long-term) were
identified based on the performance of the options in the assessments. Because of the wide
variety of actions that were identified throughout the course of the study, each planning
horizon is addressed in terms of Policies and Programs; Easement/ROW Acquisition; and
Projects/Improvements.
5.1 SHORT-TERM PRIORITIES (THROUGH 2015)
The identification of short term actions was based on actions/improvements to enable or
improve connectivity to the most popular regional destinations.
Policies and Programs
• Initiate wayfinding program to affirm/promote legal access corridors throughout the
area (e.g., mapping program or signage program). The program should coordinate with
existing ADOT and BLM signage and integrate educational material about sharing trails
among different user groups and safety information.
• Determine routes to be designated for OHV use per Arizona Revised Statutes 28-627.
Work with ADOT, Valley Metro, and MAG to identify opportunities for ridesharing, transit, and
other transportation assistance for commuters, the elderly and disabled. Easement/ROW
Acquisition
• Work with ASLD to investigate temporary easement (e.g., special land use permit) and
permanent easement to address legal access for a trail between Mariposa Drive and the
Vulture Mountains Recreation Area. Additional legal access issues may also warrant a
Memorandum of Understanding or Intergovernmental Agreement between the
Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department and the Town of Wickenburg.
• Convene ad hoc group including ASLD, MCDOT, Town of Wickenburg, and Yavapai
County to resolve ROW issues on Constellation Road. ROW must be clarified before
other improvements can be completed and for consistent maintenance.
• Secure and develop public access to Borrow Pits area.
Projects/Improvements
• Extend multi-use path along Wickenburg Way and Vulture Mine Road.
• Study options to improve underpass safety at railroad crossing at Wickenburg Way,
including alternative truck routes. .
• Create pedestrian access from Community Center to Coffinger Park.
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May 2012
5.2 MID-TERM OBJECTIVES (THROUGH 2020)
Policies and Programs
• Initiate access management program on SR 93 as coordinated effort with ADOT, Town
of Wickenburg, and Yavapai County to develop policies in advance of development
activity. This program may involve several components, including:
o Public involvement and education on access management
o Identification and implementation of planned access improvements
Easement/ROW Acquisition
• Expand recreational facilities at Constellation Park.
• Acquire other trail corridors in the vicinity of Wickenburg that would provide for better
connectivity (e.g., Blue Tank Wash, Hassayampa River corridor) as opportunities
become available.
Projects/Improvements
• Continuous roadway along Vista Drive.
• Extend multi-use path along Constellation Road.
• Expand recreational facilities at Kerkes Site as needed.
• Develop recreational facilities at Borrow Pits.
• Improve Rincon Road to provide emergency access (coordination with Yavapai County).
5.3 LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES (BEYOND 2020)
This planning horizon assumes minimal transportation capacity issues, but development may
occur in locations or at a pace that would warrant consideration of some of the projects that are
more dependent on development in the Wickenburg area beyond what is currently projected.
Easement/ROW Acquisition
• Acquire other trail corridors in the vicinity of Wickenburg that would provide for better
connectivity as opportunities become available.
Projects/Improvements
• Evaluate improvements to respond to development in growth areas or elsewhere in
Town.
5.4 POTENTIAL FUNDING MECHANISMS
The success of implementation of the proposed projects and improvements relies on stable
funding sources. This section describes funding options available to Wickenburg and projects
that would be applicable to those opportunities.
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Transportation Study
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May 2012
5.4.1 Trails and Open Space Funding Sources
Table 12 describes various funding sources for trails and open space projects made available in
some cases through authorization from U.S. Congress by way of the Federal Transit
Administration. Project recommendations based on applicable funding opportunities are also
identified.
Table 12: Trails and Open Space Funding Options
Funding Option Summary Requirements Applicable Projects
Section 5320 –
Paul S. Sarbanes Transit
in Parks
Addresses the challenge of increasing vehicle
congestion in and around national parks and other
federal lands. Sarbanes funding provides for
alternative transportation systems, such as shuttles,
rail connections and bicycle trails. Section 5320 may
support capital and planning expenses for new or
existing alternative transportation systems in the
vicinity of an eligible area
• Shuttles
• Bike Lanes
• Multimodal trails
• Wayfinding
National Park
Foundation – Active
Trails Grant
Designed to promote healthy lifestyles while
protecting and enhancing our National Parks’ trail
resources.
• Trails maintenance
• Trails preservation
• Trails construction
National Park
Foundation – Impact
Grant
Designed to help parks which need a small amount
of additional funding to accomplish something they
could not otherwise. The National Park Foundation
looks to fund projects that meet a critical need
and/or are innovative, that have budgets
appropriate to the project and that leverage
resources where possible.
• Trails construction
• Wayfinding
Federal Highway
Administration –
Recreational Trails
Program
Provides funds to develop and maintain
recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both
nonmotorized and motorized recreational trail uses.
This program supports recreational trails for hiking,
bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country
skiing, snowmobiling, off-road
motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel
driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles.
• Trails construction
• Trails preservation
• Trails maintenance
• Wayfinding
• Trailheads and
trailhead facilities
Growing Smarter State
Trust Land Acquisition
Grant Program
Provides funds to assist eligible applicants in
purchasing or leasing State Trust land that has been
reclassified for conservation through the Land
Conservation Fund. These funds should be used to
conserve open spaces in or near urban areas and
other areas experiencing high growth pressures.
Eligible applicants include State Agencies, Counties,
Incorporated Cities or Towns, School Districts, and
select Nonprofit organizations.
• Trails construction
• Trails preservation
• Easement
acquisition
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May 2012
Funding Option Summary Requirements Applicable Projects
Donor Efforts Donations of labor, tools, and supplies can help to
stretch trail funds, and may even be the only way a
trail gets built or maintained. Donations can come
from a wide variety of sources at the local, regional,
and national levels. Examples of donor groups
include Users, Trail related advocates and
companies, and trail specific donors.
• Trails construction
• Trails maintenance
• Trails preservation
• Equipment
Sources: Arizona Department of Transportation 2011; http://www.azdot.gov/mpd/Transit_Programs_Grants/ and Federal Transit
Administration 2011; http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants_263.html
5.4.2 Transportation Funding Sources
Table 13 identifies transportation project funding opportunities available through state and
federal sources authorized by various federal agencies. Project recommendations are also
identified based on specific funding requirements.
Table 13: Transportation Project Funding Opportunities
Funding Options Summary Requirements Applicable Projects
Section 5309 – Bus and
Bus Facilities
Discretionary Program
Provides capital assistance for new and replacement
buses, service equipment, and facilities (including
intermodal transit centers). A grant recipient may
use this program to fund the purchase of buses, bus
maintenance and operator administrative facilities,
park and rides, and passenger amenities.
• Vanpool Service
• Dial-A-Ride Service
• Park-and-Ride Lots
Section 5310 –
Transportation for
Elderly Persons and
Persons with
Disabilities
Provides federal funding for capital assistance,
traditionally by way of vehicles at an 80 percent
federal, 20 percent local share. Vehicles are used for
trips to medical appointments, grocery stores, and
other needs, exclusively for the elderly and persons
with disabilities.
• Vanpool Service
• Dial-A-Ride Service
Section 5316 – Job
Access Reverse
Commute
Addresses unique transportation challenges faced
by welfare recipients and low-income persons
seeking to obtain and maintain employment. Can be
applied and used for capital, planning and
operating expenses for projects that transport low
income individuals to and from jobs and activities
related to employment, and for reverse commute
projects.
• Vanpool Planning
• Vanpool Service
• Dial-A-Ride Service
Section 5317 – New
Freedom Program
Seeks to reduce barriers to transportation services
and expand the transportation mobility options
available to people with disabilities beyond the
requirements of Americans with Disabilities Act.
Federal funds can be applied and used for capital
and operating expenses for new public
transportation services and new public
transportation alternatives.
• Vanpool Service
• Dial-A-Ride Service
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May 2012
Funding Options Summary Requirements Applicable Projects
Section 5320 – Paul S.
Sarbanes Transit in
Parks
Addresses the challenge of increasing vehicle
congestion in and around national parks and other
federal lands. Sarbanes funding provides for
alternative transportation systems, such as shuttles,
rail connections and bicycle trails. Section 5320 may
support capital and planning expenses for new or
existing alternative transportation systems in the
vicinity of an eligible area.
• Shuttles
• Bike Lanes
• Multimodal trails
• Wayfinding
Public Lands Highways
Discretionary Program
Funds are available for any kind of transportation
project eligible for assistance that is adjacent to, or
provides access to Federal lands or facilities. Funds
are available for transportation planning, research,
engineering, and construction of the highways,
roads, and parkways, and of transit facilities within
the Federal public lands.
• Roadway
maintenance
• Trails preservation
• Facilities
• Dial-a-Ride Service
Safe Routes to School The Safe Routes to School Program is administered
through Arizona Department of Transportation
(ADOT) and is part of the federal transportation bill
called SAFETEA-LU. This program is designed to
provide funds for schools and communities to
implement infrastructure projects and non-infrastructure
programs. One of the main goals of
this program is to improve walk and bike access to
schools by creating an appealing transportation
alternative.
• Trails
• Sidewalks
• Traffic calming
• Traffic diversion
Transportation
Enhancement Program
The Transportation Enhancement program is
administered through ADOT and the Federal
Highway Administration and was developed to
improve and enhance surface transportation
activities. Transportation Enhancement funds are
available for surface transportation projects only.
• Railroad underpass
• Access management
• Roadway
maintenance
• Wayfinding
Sources: Arizona Department of Transportation 2011; http://www.azdot.gov/mpd/Transit_Programs_Grants/ and Federal Transit
Administration 2011; http://www.fta.dot.gov/grants_263.html
5.5 ENFORCEMENT
Enforcement of applicable laws on trails throughout the area is the responsibility of the Town of
Wickenburg and/or the Arizona Department of Game & Fish. Signage will be a key component
of enforcement, to advise trail users on where to go. In addition, the development of
educational materials and publicly available maps will provide information on using trails. The
Town of Wickenburg also is supporting the development of a local OHV Ambassador program.
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Transportation Study
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May 2012
6.0 CONCLUSION
Prior to the conclusion of the study, the Town of Wickenburg had already engaged in activities
to advance work on the near-term recommendations including obtaining grant funding for
facilities at the Kerkes site, initiating discussions with private landowners about access to the
borrow pits, and including some items in the upcoming Capital Improvement Plan. In addition,
geographic information system data for trail corridors on State Trust land between Wickenburg
and Vulture Mountains will be submitted to ASLD to facilitate further discussion of how to
move forward toward temporary or permanent trail easements. It is hoped that the cooperation
exhibited as part of the TAC provides a foundation for continuing to implement the
recommendations in this study.