NW Valley Times

The City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) is inviting applications for the newly established First Avenue Citizens’ Corridor Planning Task Force. This task force will play a crucial role in advising on the alignment and design of the First Avenue Improvement Project, which spans from Grant Road to River Road.

"The formed Citizens’ Task Force will work with the DTM project team to establish priorities and advise on the alignment and design of the First Avenue Improvement Project," said the City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility.

The Task Force will consist of 15 members who will represent the areas of the community that will be most directly affected by the project. Interested individuals can apply to be a member of the Task Force by filling out the application form available on the City of Tucson's website. The application period will close on January 31, 2024.

"It is anticipated that preliminary project design will begin in early 2024 and last approximately 18 months, with the Task Force meeting every one to two months, or as needed, at key project milestones throughout design," the City of Tucson added.

The First Avenue Improvement Project is a significant endeavor that aims to modernize First Avenue from Grant Road to River Road. The project will involve the reconstruction of First Avenue as a four-lane divided roadway, complete with continuous accessible sidewalks, street lighting, new pavement, enhanced bike lanes, landscaping, upgraded traffic signals and intersections, and drainage improvements. The bridge over the Rillito River will also be replaced.

"The full design of the corridor will take 3+ years, with an estimated construction start as early as 2027," stated the City of Tucson.

To learn more about the project and its progress, interested individuals can visit the dedicated webpage on the DTM Projects website.

The First Avenue Improvement Project is part of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Plan, which was approved by voters and is funded through a 1/2-cent countywide sales tax.

This initiative by the City of Tucson demonstrates their commitment to engaging with the community and seeking their input in important decision-making processes. By establishing the First Avenue Citizens' Corridor Planning Task Force, the city aims to ensure that the interests and concerns of the residents directly affected by the project are taken into consideration.

As the application period for the task force is open, interested individuals are encouraged to apply and contribute to the shaping of the First Avenue Improvement Project.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Transportation-Mobility/DTM-News-Releases/Transportation-and-Mobility-News-Listing/First-Avenue-Citizens-Corridor-Planning-Task-Force