In just a few days, we will be officially in the swing of Monsoon 2016. But, Monday marks the start of Monsoon Safety Awareness Week, as well. City and county officials have been working hard to get preparations in place before it pours.
A handful of barricades have already been put out by the city. Officials said, they will have 500 barricades at about 140 different dip crossings.
Those barricades are a warning, telling drivers that this roadway is not safe to cross.
During monsoon, some streets become waterways and it could turn into a dangerous commute.
Pima county officials are also working hard to get ahead of rain in the Rillito River.
"So, we're removing sediment from the river to reestablish the capacity... flooding capacity to protect residences and businesses," said Civil Engineering Manager Colby Fryar.
Fryar is in charge of this project, leading crews to clear out the riverbed which will allow more room for when the rain turns into floods.
Fryar explains that it is a process that happens every two to three years. However, this three-mile stretch from Craycroft to Alvernon really needed the work now.
"We do inspections and we also recently did a report that showed us that we needed to get in here and remove the sediment," Fryar said. "It was time."
As for the barricades, the city tells KGUN9, they are just starting the process of getting them put up in those flood areas. That way they are ready to be put out as soon as the storm hits.
