Smith Road Improvements

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Construction Update:

North Smith Road (University Drive to Rio Salado Parkway) Project Update:

Striping will occur along Smith Road from University Drive to Rio Salado Parkway. This operation will be a moving operation and an officer and shadow truck will be directing traffic around the crew as this work progresses along Smith Road.
Timeline: Nov. 1 Work Hours: 7 a.m.— 5 p.m.
Please use extra care when driving, biking and walking around construction zones and observe all posted traffic and parking restrictions.

South Smith Road (Apache Boulevard to University Drive) Project Update:

Larger traffic impacts will resume in early November with a southbound closure from University Drive to Apache Boulevard as crews work to install utility lines. Construction in Tempe’s right of way on the west side of Smith Road will begin during this time and if your residence will be impacted, and you have not been previously contacted, you will be notified.

Please be aware of barricades, signage, detours and lane restrictions and use extra care when driving, biking and walking around construction zones. If your sewer or water service will be impacted, you will receive a notice 48 hours ahead of work with more information.

Project timelines are subject to change due to weather, equipment or other unforeseen issues in the field.

The Orbit Mercury route is currently detoured, check www.valleymetro.org/rider-alerts for the latest information.

Project Background:

Tempe is making improvements along Smith Road between Apache Boulevard and Rio Salado Parkway including streetscape improvements to enhance visibility and bicycle and pedestrian safety in the project area. The safety improvements include pavement markings and signage for protected bike lanes, sidewalks, bus shelters, ADA ramps/driveway improvements and lighting.

North Segment: Construction started in early 2024 with an anticipated completion date of winter 2024.
South Segment: Construction started April 2024 with an anticipation completion date of January 2025.

Smith Road map

On May 14, 2024 a public meeting was held to learn more about construction impacts and to meet the construction team. Improvements including:

new curbs and gutters
bike lane treatments (some sections of protected bike lanes)
traffic calming measures to include medians
landscaping and irrigation
improving sidewalk ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities (ADA) standards
stormwater improvements

Construction began at the south end at Apache Boulevard and progressed north to University Drive. Lane closures will take place during construction with no southbound traffic from Apache Boulevard to Don Carlos. One-way access to streets will be provided and driveways will remain open but may be inaccessible for short periods of time. There will be no changes to trash, recycling or bulk waste pickup. Orbit Mercury will be detoured during construction. For details, please visit www.valleymetro.org/rider-alerts or call 602-253-5000.

Work will take place primarily on weekdays during daytime hours. Every effort will be made to mitigate construction impacts to the public. Please use extra care when driving, biking and walking in the construction zones as they become active in the coming weeks and observe all posted traffic and parking restrictions.

Questions: Project Hotline 480.898.4100

PUBLIC MEETINGS

May 13, 2022 Meeting Presentation PDF

Aug. 12, 2022 Meeting Presentation PDF

Watch the Video of the April 12, 2022 Meeting

Dec. 9, 2022 Meeting Presentation PDF

Watch the video from the Dec. 9, 2022 meeting

CONTACT

Cathy Hollow, City Traffic Engineer

480-350-8445

DOCUMENTS

Landscaping Plans 2024 PDF