SE Valley Times

Lakeview Drive in Tempe, AZ will experience earlier closures starting Friday, April 5, as part of efforts to enhance community safety. The gates on Lakeview Drive, which typically closed between 10 p.m. and midnight, will now be shut at 8 p.m. to address issues like speeding and improve safety in the area.

Over the past three years, there have been more than 600 calls for service related to activities such as street racing and burnouts in the Lakeview Drive vicinity. In response to these concerns, police patrols have been increased this year, leading to a reduction in resident-reported incidents; however, vehicle-related incidents have persisted, prompting the decision to close the gates earlier.

"To help, the gates will close to vehicles at 8 p.m. and reopen at 5 a.m.," stated the announcement. Motorists are advised to ensure their vehicles are removed from the area before 8 p.m., with alternative parking options available around the lake to accommodate the change.

The initiative is part of Tempe's broader commitment to community safety, which includes programs like Operation Slow Down, aimed at reducing speed across the city, and Operation Silent Night, targeting street racing. Additionally, the Vision Zero program is in progress, aiming to eliminate serious injury accidents through a mix of education, enforcement, and environmental strategies.

Lakeview Drive's closure adjustments will not affect Tempe Town Lake's boating hours, which will remain from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., nor the park hours, which will continue from 5 a.m. to midnight. Pedestrians will still have access to the roadway, while boaters can utilize the water from the north side of Town Lake or access it via Town Lake Marina.

For more information or inquiries, individuals can contact the City of Tempe at 480-350-8311. City media contacts include Kris Baxter-Ging at 480-350-5198 and the Tempe Police Department at PDPIO@tempe.gov.