Edward Gately, The Republic | azcentral.com

The Scottsdale City Council, at its April 29 meeting will consider an engineering contract to design a pedestrian-improvements project along a stretch of the McDowell Road corridor.

Staff is recommending the council approve a $94,575 contract with Gavan & Barker Inc. for the SkySong Transit-McDowell Road Pedestrian Improvements project. The improvements would take place along McDowell between Scottsdale and Miller roads.

The city has made redevelopment along the McDowell corridor a top priority. This project includes pedestrian and streetscape improvements along this section of McDowell.

“The existing sidewalk in this segment is less than 6-feet wide, which does not meet current accessibility standards,” said Eric Waldo, project manager. “In addition, persons with disabilities have … challenges due to the proximity of driveways along McDowell Road. The new sidewalk will be separated from the curb, where feasible, and will be constructed to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards.”

The proposed improvements include expanding the sidewalk to 8 feet in width with adjustments to meet ADA standards, landscaping and new transit stops. The project will be critical in providing improved pedestrian facilities along the north side of McDowell Road, Waldo said.

Funding for the project design and construction is provided by Federal Transit Administration grants and will cover 80 percent of eligible expenses. Funding for the city’s share is available in the capital improvement projects fund.

The project design is expected to be complete this fall with construction likely to begin early next year.