Department of Transportation

Mountain Avenue: Roger Road To Fort Lowell Road Paving And Drainage Improvement Project

Posted: 02/13/2009

This is a continuing series of construction alerts that will be issued throughout the construction of the Mountain Avenue – Roger Road to Fort Lowell Improvement Project. These alerts will announce construction, detour and closure information as it effects traffic. Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are asked to obey all posted speed limit signs within the construction area and be alert for construction crews and personnel working in the area.

• On Monday, February 16, 2009, at 6 a.m., eastbound and westbound Limberlost Road at Mountain Avenue will reopen to through travel.
• On Monday, February 16, 2009, at 6 a.m., eastbound and westbound through travel on Roger Road will be prohibited to allow crews to complete underground storm drain work and electrical work. The Roger Road closure is scheduled to be in place until early April 2009. Limberlost Road and Prince Road can be used as alternate routes.
• During the week of February 16, 2009, the installation of new water lines will begin on the east side of Mountain Avenue between Prince Road and Fort Lowell Road. Two-way travel will remain on this section of Mountain Avenue during this work, but motorists should be aware of flagging personnel directing travel through the work zone.
• Mountain Avenue between Prince Road and Roger Road continues to be reduced to one southbound travel lane only. Please note northbound travel on Mountain Avenue between Prince Road and Roger Road will be prohibited. The restriction is scheduled to be in place through July 2009. Crews are conducting water line work, and the current right of way width of Mountain Avenue will not safely accommodate two-way travel and work crews.

Work hours for the project will be Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that the above schedule is subject to change due to unforeseen conflicts or inclement weather. Electronic message boards are in place along Campbell Avenue, First Avenue, Mountain Avenue and Roger Road to advise motorists of the above travel restrictions. Motorists and bicyclists are advised to find alternate routes to avoid delays. Please note that for the safety of the traveling public and construction workers, the speed limit in the work zone is 15 mph, and Tucson police are patrolling the area.

The improvement project began in October 2008 and is being constructed by Borderland Construction, which is under contract with the City of Tucson Department of Transportation. The project consists of the removal, reconstruction, and widening of the existing two-lane street to provide two through lanes, bike lanes, curb, sidewalk, street lights at various intersections, and landscaping.

This $11 million, two-year-long project, will also include underground storm drain improvements and the relocation of a majority of the overhead utility lines to underground. Modifications to water and sanitary sewer facilities will also be made as part of this project.