by Tom Howard
Road Construction Update
Houghton Road/Over Union Pacific Railroad
This project is taking shape. The support walls along Southbound Houghton Road are nearly complete. Coordination with the railroad is ongoing while crews work on the new support piers for the bridge structure. Please obey all traffic devices. Business access is suggested to use Old Vail Road. All businesses are open during construction.
Arizona Department of Transportation Updates
Traffic Signals at Rita, Kolb and Wilmot at I-10
This project was awarded to Sturgeon Electric Company at the May 2018 Arizona Department of Transportation’s meeting. Notice to proceed will be the next step and construction of the much needed signals will be installed. Stay tuned for updates. Bid was submitted by Sturgeon Electric for $1,753,204.96.
Traffic signal installation at Atterbury wash and Mary Ann Cleveland is set to start on June 4th.
Wilmot & I-10
The median pavement is complete and traffic will be detoured onto the temporary bridge in the coming weeks. Be alert to traffic changes and periodic lane closures along the interstate. Night time full closures of Wilmot Road will be needed to demolish the old bridge deck and construct the new one. Variable message signs will be up to alert motorist to these closures. Slow down and keep our road crews safe.
Monthly reader questions.
Ev from Vail asked: Can we get a left turn signal for traffic on Colossal Cave Road? The morning traffic back up extends all the way to the bridge over the wash. A left turn arrow is needed to allow more cars to turn onto Vail/Wentworth Road.
Answer: After making phone calls to Pima County and officially submitting a request, the county has agreed to install a left turn arrow at the intersection. The scheduled install date is 5/22/18. This will depend on weather and equipment availability. This will be done after morning rush hour to alleviate any traffic issues.
I wish to thank Annabelle Valenzuela at the Pima County Transportation Support Services for her quick response to reader questions.
Bonnie asked: If the roadway at Jeremy Wash/Rincon Creek area will be straightened during construction of the new subdivision?
Answer: At time of writing, I am reviewing documents received from Pima County. The Board of Supervisors met on May 15, 2018 to discuss the resolution for the Rocking K Ranch Development. The agreement lays out improvements for Old Spanish Trail and Valencia Road. I will be reviewing these documents and updating you as I receive updates.
Please email your questions to: highways@thevailvoice.com
