This is one in a continuing series of traffic alerts that will be issued throughout the construction of the Downtown Links - Eighth Street Drainage Improvement project. These alerts will announce construction, detour and street closure information as it affects traffic. The Eighth Street Drainage Improvement limits extend from Sixth Avenue on the west to Third Avenue on the east and Sixth Street on the north to Stevens Avenue on the south. Work throughout the improvement area will necessitate multiple street closures and restrictions that will impact motorists and bicyclists.
The contractor will begin working Saturdays from 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. in addition to the regular weekday work schedule. Saturday work will take place for the next several weeks.
Thursday, January 12, through Friday, January 20, Fourth Avenue will be reduced to one travel lane between Sixth and Eighth Streets while the contractor installs underground utilities in the area. From 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. flaggers will direct alternate one-way travel through the work area. The contractor will open the road to two travel lanes each night. Most parking between Sixth and Eighth Streets will be restricted during this phase of work.
The intersection of Fifth Avenue/Eighth Street is closed. The closure will be in place until late February while the contractor builds the 20 foot by 12 foot underground drainage system.
The intersection of Fifth Avenue/Seventh Street will be closed through the end of January.
Seventh Street, between Sixth Avenue and Arizona Avenue, is closed through late February.
The intersection of Eighth Street/Herbert Avenue is closed through the end of March.
Traffic control on Herbert and Hoff Avenues, between Sixth and Ninth Streets only, has been changed to allow for two-way travel.
Business and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the work area. The traveling public can expect delays when driving, bicycling or walking in this work area.
The Downtown Links improvement project is part of the long-range Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) plan that was approved by Tucson-area voters in 2006. The voter-approved, $2.1 billion RTA plan will be implemented through 2026. Details about the full plan are available at www.RTAmobility.com. The RTA has a nine-member board with representatives from local, state and tribal governments. While funded through the RTA, the above project is managed by the Tucson Department of Transportation (TDOT).
