City Departments Collaborate to Create New Traffic Signal and Water Pumping Station

The city of Phoenix is proud to highlight the recent implementation of a traffic signal at one of the top three busiest roads in the city.

It happened through the collaboration of several city departments.

Each department had one goal and that was to better serve the customers of Phoenix.

The project began roughly four years ago. The Phoenix Water Services Department approached Phoenix Fire about land that fire owned near 42nd place and Baseline road. It was the perfect location to build a water pumping station that would serve the growing South Mountain community.

Phoenix Fire agreed to give the land to the water department and identified an opportunity benefit the community even further. In exchange for the land, the Water Services Department would provide funding for a much needed new traffic signal on Baseline Road.

According to the Phoenix Street Transportation Department, Baseline has quickly become one of the top three busiest roads in the city. The intersection of 42nd place and Baseline had historically been a challenging site to turn West onto Baseline Road.

The traffic signal, installed by the Phoenix Street Transportation Department, would benefit the growing community, and also the crews working out of Phoenix Fire Station 32.

Because of collaborative efforts between the three city of Phoenix departments, the end goal was accomplished – each department helping one another to fast track the plan.

“It really is a win for everybody," Street Transportation Director Bruce Littleton said. “It was clear this signal was needed when we were out working the construction on this project, and we would watch an ambulance or fire truck with its lights and sirens on waiting to turn out of this intersection."

Water Services Project Manager, Stephen Daras described the new water boosting station as critical infrastructure. Daras said, “This was needed to get reliable, continuous water to the growing South Mountain and Ahwatukee area."

The idea for the project began with former Phoenix Fire Chief Kara Kalkbrenner. At the time, Mike Duran was the Assistant Phoenix Fire Chief who oversaw facilities. Now as the Phoenix Fire Chief, Mike Duran has been able to take the project across the finish line.

“This is where proper leadership in multiple departments came together. There was a need here and we worked together to meet that need," Phoenix Fire Facility Manager Silvio Vaninetti said.

To learn more about the city of Phoenix's Water Services Department and Phoenix Street Transportation Department, please visit each department's website.​