A bit of traffic construction, for a faster commute.
This is what the City of Tucson's Transportation Department says, will come with continued road work, along Houghton Road. Dozens of neighbors on the east side gathered at Empire High School to get a clearer picture of the project.
The next phase will start in 2020. The multi-year project aims to improve Houghton road from Tanque Verde all the way to interstate-10.
Tedd Schwab, who has lived in Tucson for the last 17 years, told KGUN9 he is thrilled with the projects.
“I think it's a great idea because it's going to make transportation our here a whole lot easier,” he said.
Shwab says, since the construction his commute to convenience stores, like Walmart, has been cut by more than half.
This is something Michael Graham, with the City of Tucson Transportation Department, said is what this project is all about.
“If you travel the corridor, you'll see new businesses, new restaurants, healthcare out here, grocery stores. There is a lot of growth out here,” Graham told KGUN9.
So far, five projects have been completed.
“Recently, the city of Tucson completed new bridges over the Union Pacific Railroad. Just last week, we completed, the widening of Houghton Road from the railroad tracks to interstate-10,” Graham added.
Which means, there are three that still need to be finished.
“We still have in the books to complete Houghton to Maryanne Way to Valencia Road, as well as Irvington to 22nd Street,” Graham said.
Graham added that these projects are benefiting the economy. Schwab says he couldn't be happier about that, but admits there are inconveniences that come with the construction.
“I know it does take away some of the desert. There will be a little bit of a traffic backup initially,”
Though Schwab said it is a small price to pay for the benefit he believes he will receive, once the construction is done. Graham agreed.
“In the end, it's short term pain for long term gain,” Graham told KGUN9.
Construction from Valencia Road" to Mary Ann Cleveland Way is expected to start in 2020. Construction from 22nd Street to Irvington Road" will start in 2021.
