The City of Scottsdale is designing improvements to Carefree Highway, between Cave Creek Road and Scottsdale Road (Tom Darlington), to enhance capacity and operational efficiency. Approved in the 2008 Scottsdale Transportation Master Plan and the 2004 Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Transportation Plan, this project is set to expand the highway from two to four lanes, with a landscaped median, bike lanes, and an 8' shared-use path. Construction is tentatively planned for late 2025.
Project Elements Proposed by Scottsdale:
No Noise Mitigation: A completed noise study did not recommend sound walls or enhanced landscaping.
No Westbound Right Turn Lanes: Classified as a minor arterial, the road does not warrant dedicated right turn lanes.
Median Island at Terravita Way: A small median will support left-in/left-out (LI-LO) movements, improving safety and reducing crashes.
Public input gathered during the design phase has been reviewed and incorporated where feasible. Easement and right-of-way acquisition is underway.
For details and updates, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search "Carefree Highway," or call 480-898-4110.