A project to enhance and increase the accessibility of 34 of Avondale's pedestrian crosswalks and bring them up to federal standards is underway. 

The project, which is being managed by the Arizona Department of Transportation, began in late November. The first portion of the project included reconstruction of the pedestrian ramps at three intersections and upgrading the pedestrian-activated push button systems. 

The audio/visual countdown indications will also be upgraded to bring them up to Americans with Disabilities Act standards. 

Motorists may experience some lane closures as crews perform the reconstruction activities at the Dysart Road at Encanto Boulevard, Dysart Road at Thomas Road, and McDowell Road at Rancho Santa Fe Boulevard intersections. Upgrades will also be done at 31 other signalized intersections throughout the city where there are no countdown systems. The work will involve some periodic lane closures to the outside travel lanes to allow for contractors to work on ramp reconstruction. 

The upgrades to the pedestrian-activated push button systems will include replacing the traditional Walk/Don't Walk symbols with visual countdown numbering and audio instructions. Work on this portion of the project should begin in mid-January and go through March.