Project Name: RD2130 Ash Street Realignment
Design Status: 30% Complete

More details including the project budget and funding sources are included in the Capital Improvement Plan at the link below. Project budgets are reviewed, updated, and published annually as part of the Town’s annual budget process by the Office of Management and Budget. 

The project is currently 30% through its design phase, and Town of Gilbert staff are having ongoing discussions with key stakeholders and business owners in the Heritage District as the proposed alignment is developed. Input from stakeholders is critical in the Town’s design process, and will help to shape next steps in the Ash Street realignment project.

The final proposed alignment and design plans will be available at a later phase of the project after the project team has been able to meet with and review any potential impacted property owners, and when all technical requirements have been satisfied. 

What happens during the design phase, and what does it mean when a project is 30% designed?

The design phase serves as a critical bridge between initial project planning (predesign) and eventual construction. By the 30% design milestone, ideas begin to take shape through conceptual layouts and preliminary engineering, setting the foundation for more detailed design work to follow.

At the 30% design milestone, core concepts of the project have been spatially represented—typically through drawings or diagrams—and these early visuals help illustrate how the project might interact with existing infrastructure, utilities, and surrounding properties. The 30% design is not a final blueprint. Instead, it serves as a starting point for dialogue—a tool to facilitate meaningful conversations with key partners, such as operations teams, utility providers, and nearby property or business owners. These discussions are essential for identifying potential impacts, gathering feedback, and collaboratively shaping a solution that meets the project’s goals while minimizing disruption to private property.

How will the Ash Street Realignment Project benefit the Heritage District, and what impacts should nearby property owners and businesses expect?

The Ash Street Realignment Project is designed to enhance connectivity, safety, and long-term mobility within the Heritage District. By creating a continuous corridor between Page Avenue and Vaughn Avenue, the project will ease congestion on Gilbert Road and improve access to the district’s core.

While the majority of construction will occur on Town-owned parcels, the project will have a few notable impacts to adjacent property. The Town recognizes that these changes may affect the appearance and character of the area surrounding nearby businesses. However, we are committed to working closely with affected property owners to ensure that, once complete, businesses can continue to operate in a manner consistent with their current practices.

Additionally, the Town acknowledges that the project may temporarily affect operational logistics for nearby businesses and utility providers. That’s why early coordination with operations teams, utility groups, and property stakeholders is a key part of the design process. Through open dialogue and collaboration, we aim to develop a solution that meets the project’s objectives while minimizing disruption to non-Town-owned property.

How will this project affect parking in the Heritage District?

Parking remains a top priority in the Heritage District, where a combination of dedicated and shared-use stalls supports both private development and public access. Dedicated stalls are provided by developers or property owners for the exclusive use of their customers. In contrast, shared-use stalls follow a “park once” model, encouraging visitors to park once and explore the district on foot, supporting a more walkable and connected environment. Importantly, shared parking is not concentrated in one location—it is strategically distributed throughout the district to serve multiple destinations and support a variety of uses.

As the district continues to grow and evolve, the Town of Gilbert is committed to evaluating the impacts of new development on parking availability. Where construction or project implementation affects existing parking spaces, the Town will work proactively to identify and implement transitional parking solutions—both during construction and after project completion. This ensures that access and convenience are maintained for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

What is happening to the pocket park space near the American Legion?

The current conceptual alignment of Ash Street passes through the pocket park located next to the American Legion. As part of the design process, the Town is actively reviewing options for relocating or repurposing this park space. Through ongoing conversations with nearby business owners and community stakeholders, the Town is exploring options that will continue to serve the park’s current patrons. The goal is to ensure that this valued community space remains accessible and functional, even as the street realignment moves forward.

Were other options considered for the Ash Street Realignment, such as going over the Union Pacific Railroad or following the rail alignment to exit further south on Gilbert Road?

Yes, during the pre-design phase, the Town evaluated several potential alignments for Ash Street to determine their feasibility. Two commonly suggested alternatives were thoroughly analyzed:

• Elevating Ash Street over the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) – While this option was considered, it was ultimately dismissed due to its significant impacts on surrounding businesses and residences. The required design footprint would have extended nearly a mile in both directions from the railroad crossing, creating substantial disruption to the local community.

• Realigning Ash Street along the UPRR corridor to exit further south on Gilbert Road – This concept was also explored. However, it was determined to be unworkable due to the proximity of the proposed access points to the existing UPRR crossing on Gilbert Road. Union Pacific has strict regulations regarding roadway entrances near their tracks, and they would not permit new access at that location.

These evaluations were part of the Town’s commitment to identifying a solution that balances long-term mobility goals with community impacts. The current alignment represents the most feasible option, considering technical, regulatory, and stakeholder considerations.