River Bend Roadway Improvements Design Projects

DOT 4 - River Road from Campbell Avenue to Alvernon Way

The project will widen and realign River Road from east of Campbell Avenue to the extension of Alvernon Way, east of Dodge Boulevard. The roadway in this segment will consist of two through lanes in each direction and a left turning lane, with a paved shoulders, storm drains, and landscaping. The project will include drainage improvements for the Camino Real and Finger Rock Washes, as well as other smaller drainages that currently cross River Road. Improvements to Camino Real Wash will include increased channel capacity north of River Road, construction of a box culvert under River Road, and construction of a new outfall channel to the Rillito River.

The project includes acquisition of an open space area between the improved River Road and the Rillito River in the River Bend area, which will become the new Brandi Fenton Memorial Park and will be incorporated with the Rillito Linear Park. Roadway improvements to River Road between Campbell Avenue and Alvernon Way will reduce congestion and enhance safety along River Road, while maintaining the integrity of this historic area.

Funding for this project is $13,500,000 plus $3,000,000 in Urban Area Highway User Revenue Funds.

DOT 5 - Alvernon Way from River Road to Fort Lowell Road

The project will extend Alvernon Way from its existing intersection of Ft. Lowell Road, north and west across the Rillito River to connect to River Road in the vicinity of Dodge Boulevard. From Ft. Lowell to the Rillito River, the cross-section will be two lanes in each direction, with a left turning lane. From River Road to south of the Rillito River, the roadway will be a four-lane cross-section with a raised median. The new road will include paved shoulders, curbs, storm drains, landscaping, and pedestrian facilities. The project includes a new bridge across the Rillito River, complete with sidewalks and paved shoulders.

The new Alvernon connection to River Road will provide a new bridge structure across the Rillito River to reduce vehicular traffic on the functionally obsolete and structurally deficient Dodge Boulevard bridge. Existing traffic volumes on Dodge Boulevard will be significantly reduced, helping to alleviate congestion and enhance safety along Dodge Boulevard.

Funding for this Pima County project is currently $6,000,000 in bond funds.