Tucson Modern Streetcar Project Update
Here’s the latest information on the Tucson Modern Streetcar project, sent to organizations and individuals who have subscribed to our distribution list.Line Segment Bid Update
As reported in the last update, the invitation for contractors to bid on the Tucson Modern Streetcar project went out on October 28, 2011. A procurement pre-bid conference was held on November 8, 2011 with over 100 interested parties in attendance. In response to requests by contractors to extend the bid document preparation time, the Bid Opening has been moved to January 12, 2012. After the bids are received, an apparent low bidder will be identified and the low bid contractor should be on board by early February, with construction slated to begin in March 2012.Utility Work Under Way
CenturyLink and Southwest Gas are currently relocating major utilities along the Streetcar route in preparation for construction. Additionally, as construction of the project progresses business owners along the Modern Streetcar route will have an opportunity to upgrade existing sewer, water, natural gas, telephone, cable and other utilities as well. The Modern Streetcar team, in coordination with the City of Tucson and University of Arizona officials, will issue construction alerts to notify the public where and when this work will take place.
Southwest Gas is scheduled to begin work in the Downtown area. Crews may be working both day and night to reduce impacts to traffic and complete the utility relocation as soon as possible. Project construction alerts will provide information about this work as it becomes available.Maintenance and Storage Facility Design Now 100% Complete
The Maintenance and Storage Facility, or MSF, is at 100% design completion and construction of the facility will begin in 2012. The MSF will be located at the intersection of 5th Avenue and 8th Street and will include maintenance bays, below ground inspection pits, bridge cranes, a washing bay, administration offices, and a master control room, the hub for monitoring all streetcar line operations.
Prior to construction of the MSF, construction crews must complete critical drainage and infrastructure improvements in the area adjacent to the future MSF site. Click here for more information on the 8th Street Drainage Project.
The MSF has been designed to be an eco-friendly building and will, at a minimum, achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) New Construction Silver certification, awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. Click for more information regarding the MSF and LEED certification.
Cushing Street Bridge Construction Update
Construction of the Cushing Street Bridge is progressing on schedule and within budget. Drilling has been completed for 10 of the shafts where the pier columns will be placed, and, currently, construction crews are working on the floodwalls, headwalls, abutments and catch basins. The bridge girders will be installed in early 2012.
