The Arizona Commission Corporation (ACC) said recently that it has approved upgrades to the BNSF high-traffic railroad crossing in El Mirage and the work will be timed to minimize traffic disruption.  

The intersection of Grand Avenue and Thunderbird will benefit from multilane widening, turning lanes, electronic signal installation and automatic gates at rail crossings. Additionally, improved traffic control sensors and crossing detection devices will be installed to facilitate traffic flow.

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) intends to expand Grand Avenue to six lanes. New signal equipment to be installed at rail crossings will include flashing LED lights and traffic signal pre-emptions synchronized with BNSF train approaches.

ACC fine-tuned the project to accommodate seasonal traffic patterns and delaying the start of construction until the school year is over, with plans slated to commence in May. The work is expected to last 28 days, and commuters can expect some road closures.

The commission recently authorized a similar upgrade for the intersection of Grand Avenue and Bell Road in the town of Surprise, with plans for work to begin in April and last 18 months.