Underground work to snarl downtown traffic

Published: Nov. 30, 2015 at 3:10 PM MST|Updated: Mar. 2, 2018 at 4:20 PM MST
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TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - Downtown drivers will run into some traffic tie ups for the next few months, as City of Tucson crews work in two different areas.

Beginning November 30, construction workers will reduce westbound Toole Avenue at 6th Avenue to just one travel lane. They'll relocate underground utilities while these restrictions are in place.

The work hours are set for 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend and night work. Though the main work will take place during these hours, travelers should expect barricades in place 24 hours a day through February 2016.

In addition, the the east side pedestrian walkway through the 6th Avenue Underpass will close while this plays out.

Then, starting December 1, Tucson Department of Transportation will perform more underground work at the intersection of 6th Street and 6th Avenue, just west of Tucson High School.

This work will mainly take place overnight, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Friday, December 4.

While this portion of the project is underway, drivers can expect the right lane to close on eastbound 6th Street and northbound 6th Avenue alike.

This is all part of the "Downtown Links Phase III" project, which includes improved connections for pedestrian, bicyclists and drivers. It will eventually link Barraza-Aviation Parkway to I-10 and downtown with neighborhoods to the north.

The plan is also set to provide new and safe underpasses, overpasses and railroad crossings. It will also provide better drainage, multi-use paths, improved sidewalks and bike lanes.

The $2.1 billion plan is funded by Regional Transportation Authority. It is set to run through the year 2026.

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