Cave Creek reviews options for Rancho Ma�f1ana intersection after spike in 2022 crashes
June 10, 2026 | Cave Creek, Maricopa County, Arizona
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Cave Creek town staff told the council they are close to finalizing a study of traffic control at the Rancho Ma f1ana and Spur Cross Road intersection and outlined several options to reduce conflict for left-turning vehicles.
Staff said counts show about 8,000 vehicles travel Cave Creek Road daily and roughly 400 vehicles a day attempt left turns out of Rancho Ma f1ana (peak hour about 40). The consultant team evaluated alternatives including doing nothing, an all-way stop (which staff said the draft report did not recommend because it could increase rear-end collisions), lane reductions with protected left-turn pockets, a Michigan-left-style access control and a modern roundabout (staff said a modern roundabout could be effective but estimated capital costs at roughly $750,000 plus land/acquisition costs).
“On a mid-March day in 2025 we saw about 400 cars trying to make a left-hand turn,” staff said, noting peak-hour patterns and that the consultant suggested piloting less-permanent lane changes (painted lane reductions) first to test effects and preserve emergency access if changes must be reversed.
Council members raised concerns about access for residents north of Cave Creek Road who could face circuitous routes if Michigan-left access control or forced-rights are used, and asked staff to analyze emergency response and U-turn impacts. Staff said they will complete the Rancho Ma f1ana report, return with a final recommendation and pilot proposals, and coordinate further community engagement before implementing capital projects.
No formal decision or vote was taken during this workshop item.
Next steps: staff will finalize the consultant report, model emergency response times for each scenario, and propose a pilot test (painted lane reduction) before any permanent construction.
Staff said counts show about 8,000 vehicles travel Cave Creek Road daily and roughly 400 vehicles a day attempt left turns out of Rancho Ma f1ana (peak hour about 40). The consultant team evaluated alternatives including doing nothing, an all-way stop (which staff said the draft report did not recommend because it could increase rear-end collisions), lane reductions with protected left-turn pockets, a Michigan-left-style access control and a modern roundabout (staff said a modern roundabout could be effective but estimated capital costs at roughly $750,000 plus land/acquisition costs).
“On a mid-March day in 2025 we saw about 400 cars trying to make a left-hand turn,” staff said, noting peak-hour patterns and that the consultant suggested piloting less-permanent lane changes (painted lane reductions) first to test effects and preserve emergency access if changes must be reversed.
Council members raised concerns about access for residents north of Cave Creek Road who could face circuitous routes if Michigan-left access control or forced-rights are used, and asked staff to analyze emergency response and U-turn impacts. Staff said they will complete the Rancho Ma f1ana report, return with a final recommendation and pilot proposals, and coordinate further community engagement before implementing capital projects.
No formal decision or vote was taken during this workshop item.
Next steps: staff will finalize the consultant report, model emergency response times for each scenario, and propose a pilot test (painted lane reduction) before any permanent construction.
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