Your drive in Maricopa just got a bit more colorful. 

The City of Maricopa installed permanent LED lights along Mercado Street and Edwards Avenue under the John Wayne Parkway overpass, and the first view comes just in time for Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday. Residents can watch the streets glow red, white and blue starting at sunset.  

The programmable system will change throughout the year for holidays, community milestones and awareness campaigns, according to Communications and Cultural Services Director Quinn Konold. 

City Manager Ben Bitter said the idea emerged as a way to enhance the Heritage District, especially with the development of Duke’s Roadhouse, South Bridge Marketplace and the pedestrian bridge.  

“The underpass lighting was brought forth as a concept to enhance the feel of our community, literally bridging our past as a railroad community to a brighter future,” Bitter said. “We hope that through these displays, people will feel connected to our hometown, and proud to show off its beauty to the next generation of Maricopians.” 

InMaricopa asked city officials about the cost of the installation.  

The display not only debuts in time for the upcoming Great American 4th event, but also months before First Fridays begins. It received positive feedback from residents on Facebook this morning.  

Tortosa resident Laurie Calkins described the display as, “Absolutely beautiful.”  

Tina Nilsen of Homestead said, “[I] hope they permanently keep it this way.” 

The new lights allow the overpass to join coordinated displays with other community art installations, like the brass and copper “Agrarian Roots” tree sculpture outside Maricopa City Hall.