City of Chandler makes changes to…

CHANDLER, Ariz. - The Chandler City Council is taking steps to address the number and frequency of traffic restrictions in Chandler by introducing an ordinance to better coordinate and manage temporary traffic restrictions.

The City Council voted to introduce Ordinance No. 5115, approving the Right of Way Temporary Use Management Program. If adopted by the City Council on Jan. 9, 2025, the ordinance would take effect 30 days later.

The focus of the ordinance is to encourage efficient use of temporary traffic restrictions when necessary for various construction activities. Approximately 1,900 temporary traffic control permits are issued annually in Chandler for work on roadways, developments and utility systems.

Traffic restrictions were the focus of a City Council work session in May 2024. The Council discussed how projects are coordinated, driver safety and the frequency and the length of time that roadways have restrictions. With Council direction from that work session, Transportation Engineering Division staff developed two programs to enhance road construction coordination.

The first is a right of way temporary use fee program to both incentivize contractors to complete their work in a timely manner and to hold them accountable if they do not.

The second is the right of way temporary use management policies and procedures. This program will enhance the planning, application and oversight of traffic control in temporary work areas within Chandler's roadways and public right-of-way. The goal is to maintain work zone safety while minimizing inconveniences for the public.

This ordinance will give Chandler the authority to collect fees, including a non-refundable permit fee which is intended to cover the cost of plan review and inspection. It also requires a deposit (based on the size of the project) for all work involving lane restrictions or closures. The deposit is fully refundable if the work is completed per the specifications and timeframe authorized by the issued temporary traffic control permit and if city infrastructure is undamaged during construction.

Certain actions could result in a civil violation of this ordinance such as using right of way without a city-approved traffic control permit, not adhering to limits, times and locations of the traffic control permit and restricting traffic at a signalized intersection without active work occurring or a sworn police officer present.

Contractors working on city-owned projects or contracts must comply with this policy and obtain a temporary traffic control permit. However, the application fee and deposit do not apply, as these details will be included in specific project contracts.

Media contact:
Toni Smith
City of Chandler, Marketing and Communications Manager
480-782-2701