Streetcar Update

With streetcar tracks in place and Fourth Avenue receiving its final
layer of pavement between Sixth Street and University Boulevard, the Sun
Link Tucson Streetcar project will reach a construction milestone on
Saturday, July 14, 2012.

“With Old Pueblo Trackworks completing the final paving, and the
construction fencing coming down, we will have hit a milestone when we
reopen a portion of the roadway to traffic on Saturday,” said Jesse
Gutierrez, City of Tucson’s Construction Manager for the Sun Link
Tucson Streetcar Project.  “I want to thank the area businesses and
the traveling public for their patience during this phase of this
important project.”

Gutierrez also reminds bicyclists riding on this re-opened section be
aware of the new location of the track, and to cross tracks with care on
the perpendicular.
                 
According to Gutierrez this portion of Fourth Avenue is the first
section of the streetcar construction project to be significantly
complete with next steps including the installation of overhead poles,
streetcar stops, and the overhead electrical system. Construction began
in early April 2012.

“I want to applaud the efforts of the Sun Link Streetcar team for
working so diligently to complete this portion of the project,” said
U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva. “For a long time we have talked about the
importance of the streetcar project for Tucson’s economic development
and the number of jobs created. I am pleased to work with the City of
Tucson on the remaining phases for a successful and timely
completion.”

City of Tucson Mayor Jonathan Rothschild said, “There are 500
construction jobs related to Sun Link construction - our city’s
largest construction project to date. Crews are working long shifts to
meet tight deadlines so that service can launch late 2013.”

“The Sun Link streetcar has generated $400 million in private
investment to date. When complete, it will be an exciting green transit
option that will connect communities and improve the quality of life for
our region,” according Satish Hiremath, Mayor of Oro Valley and the
chair of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board.

On Monday, July 16, 2012, Fourth Avenue between Ninth and Sixth
Streets, will be closed for construction as crews continue working south
on Fourth Avenue on track installation.  Gutierrez said that most of the
preliminary underground utility work in this section was complete with
other area city projects so streetcar-related construction will be
complete well in advance of the Fourth Avenue Winter Street Fair in
December.
                                                                     
     
Go to www.tucsonstreetcar.com to find out more about construction
progress, access, and parking. Website visitors can also sign up to
receive email blasts, browse the project Facebook and Twitter pages or
call the info line at (520) 624-5656 to learn more.