With the anticipated attraction of Rio Salado, traffic, parking and alternative modes of transportation will be utilized. East-west through traffic will occur on the north bank Red Mountain Freeway, accessing Rio Salado at Priest Drive, Rural Road and McClintock Drive. The Rio Salado Parkway on the south river bank will be the primary automobile route through the park. This scenic four-lane road will provide easy access to park amenities and local attractions on the south bank. The Red Mountain Freeway overpass provides shaded public parking for up to 400 vehicles accessing the park.
Alternative transportation is encouraged through an extensive lake trail system.
Studies are under way for a light-rail corridor system to connect downtown Phoenix, Sky Harbor International Airport and Scottsdale to the hotels, businesses and restaurants. Coordination is under way with adjacent neighborhoods to minimize traffic and parking impacts. In September 1996, Tempe citizens passed a transit improvement plan which provides significantly increased transit service throughout the city. The City also participates in major investment studies that explore fixed guideway transit options throughout the region. Three corridors have a potential effect on the Rio Salado area.