Somerton Boulevard project to begin in Cooley Station

Construction is expected to begin in the coming weeks on improvements to Somerton Boulevard between Williams Field Road and Recker Road in Gilbert's Cooley Station area.

The project will complete a key connection in the area's planned looped road network and is intended to reduce congestion on nearby major roads.

Work will include widening Somerton Boulevard east of Verde Drive and constructing a new roadway segment west of Verde Drive through existing farmland. Crews also will install utilities, street lighting and traffic-related infrastructure.

Additional project elements include new curbs, sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, storm drain improvements, stormwater retention features, roadway striping, signage and landscaping improvements.

Construction was anticipated to begin in September and take approximately 12 months to complete.

Town officials said impacts to Recker Road and Williams Field Road are expected to be limited to brief utility tie-in work, with no long-term road closures planned. Farm access roads in the area will be relocated as needed during construction to maintain access to active farmland.

The project is primarily funded through Gilbert's voter-approved transportation funding program and is designed to improve connectivity, traffic flow and safety in the growing area.