Department of Transportation

Houghton Road/Old Vail Road Intersection Improvement Project Old Vail Road At Houghton Road Closure

Posted: 09/25/2009

To allow work crews to construct a new underground storm-drain system and install new water lines, Old Vail Road at Houghton Road will be closed to travel beginning Monday, September 28, 2009, at 7 a.m. The closure, which is scheduled to be in place until Friday, October 30, 2009, will also allow crews to install new electric lines, new curbs and new asphalt.

The closure will prohibit right and left turns onto Old Vail Road from Houghton Road, and westbound through travel from Mary Ann Cleveland Way. Motorists heading eastbound on Old Vail Road from Rita Road will only be able to access businesses and the new Sun Tran Park and Ride Lot on Old Vail Road. Travel east of the Sun Tran Park and Ride Lot will be prohibited.

Detour route signs are in place, as well as electronic message boards, to advise motorists of these travel restrictions. Motorists are encouraged to use Valencia Road and Interstate 10 to Rita Road as detour routes to access Old Vail Road. Large trucks must use Valencia Road as a detour route.

The Houghton Road/Old Vail Road improvement project is the first construction project on a major City of Tucson corridor funded under the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) plan that was approved by voters in May 2006. While funded through the RTA, the project is being managed by the City of Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT).

Improvements to the intersection include widening the existing intersection to accommodate the future widening of Houghton Road to six lanes, constructing dedicated right-turn lanes and dual left-turn lanes and upgrading the traffic signal.

The traveling public can expect delays when driving or bicycling in this work area. Please obey all traffic control signs and watch for construction personnel and equipment in the work zone.