By Rusty Bradshaw
Independent Newsmedia

Maricopa County Department of Transportation crews will begin work to repair median drainage canals on one Sun City roadway.

The large drainage canals between the travel lanes on 99th Avenue are showing wear and tear with erosion eating away the concrete liners in several places. Sun City Home Owners Association Roads and Safety Committee members have discussed with MCDOT officials for some months about repairing the canal walls.

According to MCDOT officials, the work is expected to begin this week. Drivers have been warned of coming road work with signs along 99th Avenue for the past two weeks.

“The work along 99th Avenue is to remove and replace areas of the channel lining between Beardsley Road and Grand Avenue,” stated Bryan Pahia, MCDOT spokesman, in an email. “The work will address the sections most in need of repair.”

The project is expected to be complete by the beginning of June, Mr. Pahia explained. Lane restrictions will be in place while crews perform the work.

However, the scope of the work was adjusted late last week. Mr. Pahia stated the work will be limited to areas between Grand Avenue and Bell Road. MCDOT crews will begin work on the west side of the canal and proceed south to Grand Avenue, then reverse and work on the east wall and proceed north back to Bell Road. The new liner will also consist of concrete, according to Mr. Pahia.

Some of the worst erosion has been seen north of Union Hills Drive. However, Mr. Pahia stated drainage improvement was part of the scope of work during the recent intersection work at 99th Avenue and Union Hills Drive.