- Field Representative
- Phill Sabin
- (520) 791-5100
- Project Manager
- Fred Felix
- (520) 791-5100
- fred.felix@tucsonaz.gov
Harrison Road
Speedway Boulevard to Old Spanish Trail
Description
This 18-month long improvement project consists of the widening Harrison Road from one lane in each direction to two through lanes with a 20-foot wide landscaped median. Also, Broadway will be widened at Harrison Road for approximately 1,000-feet east and west of the intersection. When complete, the Broadway and Harrison Road intersection will feature two through lanes in each direction, dual left turn lanes in each direction, dedicated right turn lanes, and bus pullouts.
The $15 million project will also include new rubberized asphalt, concrete curbs, 6-foot-wide sidewalks, street lights, landscaping and public art. The project will include a new underground drainage system and two signalized pedestrian crossings to improve public safety. Granite Construction Company is the contractor for this project.
Display boards and a copy of the project plans are available for viewing at the Ward 2 council office of Carol West, 7575 E. Speedway Blvd. For more information, you can contact Project Manager Fred Felix at (520) 791-4146.
Schedule
- Week of August 21, 2006 through December 2006 - Widen Broadway/Harrison Intersection
- This work is being done first to relieve traffic congestion at this location and improve access to area schools while the Harrison Road widening project takes place. This schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather or equipment malfunction.
Specific dates for the remainder of the project will be posted as soon as that information is available. However, it is known that the contractor will construct the east side of Harrison Road first, followed by the west side of Harrison Road, followed by the median and the final paving and striping.
Please note one lane of travel in each direction will be maintained throughout the project.
Contractor
The contractor is Granite Construction Company.
F.A.Q.s
- When will the project begin and how long will it take to complete?
- The project is scheduled to begin on August 21, 2006 and take approximately 18 months to complete. This schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather.
- What will the impacts be to the traveling public?
- There will always be one lane of travel in each direction on Harrison Road and a left turn lane at the Broadway intersection. There will be two lanes in each direction and a left turn lane on Broadway Boulevard. Although construction activity will occur on one side or another of the existing pavement, the roads should function the same way as they do today with the exception of a reduced speed limit through the construction zone.
- How will dust be controlled during construction?
- All temporary detours, if needed, will be paved. The dirt will be watered on a regular basis. The street will be swept at least once a week.
- This project was originally presented to cost $8 million dollars. The contract is now $15 million. Why such a difference in cost?
- The original scope of the project increased based upon public input. Retaining walls, public art, drainage improvements, signalized pedestrian crossings and unexpected utility modifications contributed to the increase to the original project estimated costs. Also, material costs have risen significantly over the last three years. The increase in material costs averages almost 2 percent per year. Some materials have increased faster due to shortages and the supply/demand effect.
- How will the City of Tucson address the traffic congestion at the Harrison Road and Broadway intersection?
- This project includes the widening of Broadway to two lanes in each direction for approximately 1,000 feet east (near Vozack Lane). Dual left turn lanes, bike lanes, right turn lanes, and bus pullouts will also be included on all intersection approaches as part of the intersection widening.
- What is rubberized asphalt and what effect will it have on the road surface?
- Rubberized asphalt has a mixture of recycled crumb rubber included in the asphalt paving materials. This makes the pavement more resilient and reduces tire noise for nearby residents. Although it is more costly to use, it saves money in the long run as less maintenance is required. An example of the difference in noise can be experienced on Speedway Boulevard, between Rosemont Boulevard and Kolb Road.
- How will two through lanes of traffic and a median make the road safer?
- An additional lane will allow drivers the option of using one or the other lane when pulling out of driveways, side streets, or when making U-turns. This is an improvement over today’s condition of one lane in each direction. The median will provide pedestrian and vehicle refuge when crossing the street or making turns from oncoming traffic.
- What safety precautions will be taken to make the road safer for the children walking to Gridley Middle School? What about the existing paved path?
- The construction will be done in six phases. This will allow some major construction to be done during summers and school breaks. The paved path will be used while the east side of Harrison Road along with the new sidewalk is constructed. The path will be removed and replaced with a six-foot wide concrete sidewalk when the west half of the street is constructed. There will be a signalized pedestrian crossing at Fifth Street and Harrison Road and at Salvatore Place and Harrison Road. A handrail barrier will be placed across the median in front of the school to discourage children from trying to cut across the new road.
- How will the drainage and erosion be addressed by this project?
- The new curbs will help to capture, control and direct stormwater to new catch basins. The catch basins are the entrances to the underground storm drain system that will be constructed as part of this project. Most of the stormwater will be conveyed below ground and this will help reduce flooding potential and erosion.
- Who do we call if we have a question or a concern?
- Call the City’s representative, Fred Felix at 791-4146. He will make sure your concerns are addressed where possible.
