Long term solution in sight… but no short term fix
Tomorrow night, the Oro Valley Town Council will approve an agreement that should be a long term fix to the problem of pedestrian safety at the entrance to Naranja Park. The plan is for that solution will be in place by the fall of 2025. In the meantime, despite the concerns of many, the town has announced nothing to improve pedestrian safety from now until then.ADOT will build the path
The long term fix is an agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to build a ten foot wide multi-use path (MUP) on the Northside of Naranja Drive. The two mile path path will run from LaCanada to First Avenue. Pedestrians using the path on that side of the road will be relatively safe. Hopefully, there will be some sidewalks and pedestrian controlled traffic lights so those on the south side can safely cross to the MUP and the park walk-in entrance.
No cost to town
"The total project cost is estimated at $3,656,434 and is funded by federal Regional Transportation Alternatives Grants (RTAG) in the amount of $3,448,017 or 94.3% of the total project cost. The required local match will be funded by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) funds in the amount of $208,417 or 5.7% of the total project cost." (Source: Staff Request to Council, 6-7-23) The council approved a resolution last November to receive the RTA funds. It is because of a federal funding requirements that ADOT will build the MUP.Project has started but completion is a long way off
“ADOT advertised for a design consultant on May 8, 2023, and anticipates making a selection by May 29, 2023. The next steps will include a Project Assessment or Design Concept Report, clearances for environmental, right-of-way and utilities, and 30%, 60%, 95%, and 100% design submittals (as applicable). The schedule estimates that construction will be advertised in mid-August 2024 and start in November 2024. Construction is tentative to be complete in the summer to early fall of 2025.” (Source: Staff Request to Council, 6-7-23)
No fix in the works to improve pedestrian safety has been announced… one is in the works
The town has not announced any plan to improve pedestrian safety in the area. However, we have learned that there is plan afoot to do something. We will inform you of this as we learn more.
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