NW Valley Times

On January 10, 2024, the City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) will be conducting an intersection upgrade at Irvington Road and Sixth Avenue/S Nogales Highway. The project, part of the voter-approved Proposition 411 Tucson Delivers Safe Streets Program, will involve the removal and installation of new mast arms and traffic signal heads, as well as the conversion of the traffic signal heads to include flashing yellow arrows.

The work is scheduled to take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 10th, although the schedule is subject to change depending on weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. During the construction, the traffic signals at the intersection will not be in operation, and lane restrictions will be implemented for all travel directions. Message boards have been placed to inform the public about the ongoing work.

To ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians, law enforcement officers will be present at the site to direct traffic until the completion of the project. However, delays are expected in the area, and drivers are advised to obey all traffic control signs and be mindful of the presence of law enforcement officers and construction personnel.

The flashing yellow left turn arrows being installed at the intersection are part of DTM's efforts to improve safety throughout the community. Research has shown that flashing yellow arrows can reduce left turn collisions. These arrows also provide operational flexibility, allowing left turns to be prohibited during certain times of the day unless there is a green arrow. Additionally, when pedestrians are crossing parallel to traffic, the left turning traffic can be stopped with a red arrow until the pedestrian has safely crossed the intersection.

Motorists are reminded to yield to pedestrians, oncoming motorists, and bicyclists, and to proceed with caution when making a left turn during a flashing yellow arrow.

The intersection upgrade at Irvington Road and Sixth Avenue/Nogales Highway is one of the many projects funded by Proposition 411. In May 2022, Tucson voters approved a 10-year half-cent sales tax extension to support neighborhood street improvements and street safety projects. The total projected sales tax generated over the course of the program is estimated to be $740 million, with 80% dedicated to neighborhood streets and 20% to street safety projects.

For more information about Tucson Delivers - Better Streets | Safe Streets, visit the official website at tucsondelivers.tucsonaz.gov/pages/better-streets-safe-streets.

As the intersection upgrade takes place, the City of Tucson encourages residents to ask questions, report issues, or submit suggestions through the Constituent Contact Form available on their website.

The City of Tucson remains committed to improving the safety and quality of its streets, and projects like the one at Irvington Road and Sixth Avenue/Nogales Highway are a testament to their dedication to creating a safer transportation network for all.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Transportation-Mobility/DTM-News-Releases/Transportation-and-Mobility-News-Listing/Traffic-Alert-Irvington-Road-and-Sixth-AvenueNogales-Highway-Intersection