What is the Vaughn Ventilator project?
The word “ventilator” is a play on words, as this new roadway will provide additional access to/from downtown. The Vaughn Ventilator extends Vaughn Avenue northwest from its existing dead end at the Union Pacific Railroad to connect to Neely Street along the east side of the railroad. Improvements to the existing Vaughn Avenue will occur west of the current Ash Street to the existing dead end and improvements to the existing Neely Street will occur south of Guadalupe Road to the existing dead end.
What is the purpose of the Vaughn Ventilator?
The Vaughn Ventilator will provide a low-speed roadway extension with additional improvements to existing Vaughn Avenue that will transform the inactive roadway to promote a family-friendly local shopping street in the Heritage District. By offering new west side access point for the Heritage District, it will improve circulation and access for the area supporting existing and future development.
Will there be improvements to Neely Street as well?
Yes, a 14-foot wide multi-use path is planned for the east side of the existing Neely Street along with new street furnishings and landscaping. The existing roadway will be shifted to the west but will remain a two-way street and some on-street parking will be provided along the west side of Neely Street.
What is the expected volume of traffic on the new Vaughn Ventilator and Neely Street, south of Guadalupe?
Volumes were provided as part of the 2018 Heritage District Redevelopment Plan and are based on the anticipated ultimate built out condition of the Heritage District. Weekday traffic is estimated at 5,600 vehicles per day (PM peak hour), and weekend traffic is estimated at 8,400 vehicles per day (midday peak hour on Saturday).
Will there be additional traffic or noise along on Neely Street?
While there is an anticipated minor increase in traffic along Neely Street during the peak hours, it should be negligible from a noise perspective.
How will impacts such as noise or light be mitigated near residences once the project is complete?
The existing street lighting along Neely Street will be replaced with the Heritage District Tear Drop Lights and decorative fluted poles. There is also some additional landscape plants that will be installed between northbound traffic and the multi-use pathway.
How long will it take for construction?
The roadway project is anticipated to last about 15 months. Prior to the start of the roadway project, the Town will have another separate underground force-main replacement project (WW1050) that will extend south from Guadalupe Road to the railroad along Neely Street, starting Summer 2024.
Will there still be access to Neely Street, south of Guadalupe, during the construction?
Yes, the construction is planned to be completed in phases, with the first phase constructing the east-half of the roadway. Existing driveways along the southbound side of Neely Street will be reconstructed to current standards, alternating driveway reconstruction for properties with two or more driveways along Neely Street. For businesses with only one driveway access, the driveway will be reconstructed in halves.
Will there still be access to Vaughn Avenue and Heritage District businesses during construction?
Yes, the vast majority of reconstruction for this project is beyond Heritage District businesses, with exception of the University Building. However, students and faculty will have full access to the university for the duration of the project.
Will the Park and Ride be available during construction (after construction)?
The Town of Gilbert is currently reviewing alternative locations for a Park and Ride facility. The lot on Vaughn Ave and Ash St will continue to serve the 531 Express Route through the end of March 2025. For riders looking to avoid construction activities, please use the route 531 stop located on Gilbert Rd, just north of E. Houston Ave.
