Tucson Standard

On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, crews from Next Generation Electrical, under contract with the City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM), will be working on an improvement project at the intersection of Alvernon Way and Pima Street. This project is part of the voter-approved Proposition 411 Tucson Delivers Safe Streets Program.

The work will involve removing old traffic signals and activating new traffic signal heads that include flashing yellow arrows. The installation of these arrows is aimed at improving safety at the intersection. According to research, flashing yellow arrows have been shown to reduce left turn collisions. They also provide operational flexibility by allowing left turns to be prohibited during certain times of the day, unless there is a green arrow.

During the work, the traffic signals at the intersection will not be in operation. Lane restrictions will be implemented in all travel directions. Law enforcement officers will be present at the site to direct traffic and ensure the safety of motorists and construction personnel.

The City of Tucson is committed to upgrading intersections throughout the community with flashing yellow left turn arrows as part of the Tucson Delivers Safe Streets Program. The program, approved by Tucson voters in May 2022, is funded by a 10-year half-cent sales tax extension. The total projected sales tax generated over the course of the program is estimated to be $740 million, with 80 percent dedicated to neighborhood street improvements and 20 percent allocated to street safety projects.

Motorists are advised to obey all traffic control signs and to be cautious when driving in the work area. It is important to yield to pedestrians, oncoming motorists, and bicyclists during a flashing left turn arrow.

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

As the City of Tucson continues its efforts to enhance road safety and improve traffic flow, projects like the one at the Alvernon Way and Pima Street intersection are crucial in creating safer streets for all residents and visitors.