SAFFORD — Both the Safford City Council and the Thatcher Town Council agree that an application should be put in for a Federal Highway Administration program that would improve 20th Avenue; however, both councils are unsure if the suggested improvement is right for the community.
Over the past month, both councils agreed to have Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization (SEAGO) submit a Highway Safety Improvement Program application, which, if approved, would stimulate a $1 million project that each community would have to match with just $27,500.
“I think our cost benefit would be great. I think the public perception and the backlash from the public may be the deal killer of a project like this,” said Thatcher Town Engineer Tom Palmer.
The initial proposal suggests placing a raised median with turn lanes on 20th Avenue, from U.S. Highway 70 to 8th Street. It would also improve lighting on the roadway.
“You know, it’s been a while, but, if my memory serves me right, we took all the medians out of (Highway) 70 the full length of town for safety reasons years ago. To turn around and put them back in for safety reasons sure seems suspect,” said Safford City Councilman Steve McGaughey.
The improvement to 20th Avenue is the only project in Safford or Thatcher that could qualify for the funding; however, Thatcher Town Manager Heath Brown said there’s no guarantee the application will be approved.
If the application is approved, both councils would be required to approve a Joint Project Agreement to move the project forward. Safford Public Works Director Lance Henrie said at that point, modifications to the proposed improvement could be brought forward.
