There are two projects occurring along McKellips Road in north Tempe:

1) Installation of a roundabout (replacing the existing traffic signal) at McKellips Road and College Avenue

2) Streetscape improvements on McKellips between College Avenue and Scottsdale Road

Roundabout - Under Construction

Roundabouts are circular intersections that move traffic counterclockwise around a center island, and are used nationwide because of their proven safety benefits and reduced maintenance costs. They also have sustainability benefits since they do not require electricity and don’t require ongoing maintenance of equipment and can include landscaping, shade and water harvesting.

Project Hotline- 480-532-5588

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During construction, the current traffic signal will be replaced by four-way stop signs. When the project is complete, the stop signs will be removed and the intersection will operate as a roundabout. The final project completion is anticipated in spring 2026. The Orbit Earth route will be detoured, check valleymetro.org/rider-alerts for the latest information.

In addition to current traffic control, College Avenue will be fully closed at the south side of the McKellips Road and College Avenue intersection as crews work to install the south leg of the roundabout starting Nov. 10 until the beginning of January 2026.

Anticipated College Avenue closure timeline and work hours:                    Nov. 10, 2025 – beginning of January 2026, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., 6 a.m. for concrete pours

24-Hour Impacts:

• College Avenue will be fully closed to all vehicular and bicycle traffic at the south side of the McKellips Road and College Avenue intersection. Pedestrian access will be maintained.
• Traffic lane, turning movement and crosswalk restrictions and closures
• Pedestrian and bicycle traffic routed around the project area through walkways and detours
• Segments of College Avenue and McKellips Road closed starting in November 2025 until project completion.

Residential access will be maintained. Tempe is coordinating the timing of the work with other projects in the neighborhood to minimize impacts.

Public Comments and Meetings

• Public meetings were held on Aug. 28, 2018 and Nov. 4, 2024.
• Watch the video from the November 4, 2024 meeting. 
• Public comment was available online from Aug. 28 to Sept. 11, 2018. Read the comments PDF. View the draft design concept PDF.

Documents

• November 4, 2024 PowerPoint presentation PDF
• View the draft design concept for McKellips and College PDF.

Contact: Cathy Hollow, 480-350-8445, catherine_hollow@tempe.gov 

Streetscape Project

In response to residents’ concerns about vehicle speed, safety, and noise, Tempe prepared alternatives for the corridor along McKellips Road from Scottsdale Road  to College Avenue. The proposed improvements may include speed cushions, pedestrian enhancements, and landscaping with water harvesting. Your feedback will help determine a preferred alternative for McKellips Road.

Public Comment and Meetings

• Public meetings were held April 28, 2025. Watch the meeting video. 
• Public comment was taken from April 28 to May 14, 2025. Read the comments PDF
• April 28, 2025 PowerPoint Presentation PDF

Timeline

Concrete work will likely begin in the winter of 2026 with paving following in late Spring of 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the design speed of the street?  The roadway geometry (taper, merge, etc.) was designed for 35 mph.
2. Are any ADA ramps being rebuilt along McKellips Road?  Yes, updates to ramps will be included with the paving project
3. Where are the driveways for the new apartment complex at the northwest corner of Scottsdale & McKellips and will there be a deceleration lane on McKellips?  The plans for the Tempe Gateway project show only one driveway along McKellips Road at Cavalier Dr.  At the time the development was approved, there was not a need for a turn lane due to excess capacity along the 5-lane section of McKellips Road. 
4. Will trees be planted and what is the plant palette?  With the underground utilities that fall in the planter areas, we do not anticipate enough separation will be available to plant trees, however we can plant native cacti and shrubs.  The project will use green stormwater infrastructure best management practices to ensure as much rainwater capture as possible.

Contact: Cory Steele, 480-350-8428, cory_steele@tempe.gov