The Maricopa County Department of Transportation has begun a two-phase project to improve McKellips Road between Loop 101 and Alma School Road, reducing traffic to one lane for eastbound and westbound travel.

MCDOT, in cooperation with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, began the first phase on May 15, officials said in a release. The project involves underground infrastructure and includes installing water and sewer lines and a new drainage system, they said.

Once completed, the next phase will begin as a separate project and construct final pavement, curb, sidewalk and infrastructure for street light improvements.

MCDOT officials said a raised roadway median island will be built along McKellips Road, and improvements will be made to the intersections at 92nd Street, Dobson Road, Longmore Road and Alma School Road.

“This project will provide for future traffic volumes and improve pedestrian and bicycle travel once both phases have finished construction,” officials said.

The first-phase restrictions will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they said. Work is scheduled for Monday through Friday during daylight hours, with occasional night and weekend work as needed. No work will take place during holidays.
 
During construction, access to properties will be maintained at all times, according to MCDOT.