Construction of a new storm drain that will improve stormwater collection and prevent flooding near the Scottsdale-Tempe border is set to begin Nov. 3.

Construction will take place along Roosevelt Street/Continental Drive beginning at Miller Road and work west to 68th Street/College Avenue. This is a joint project by Scottsdale, Tempe and the Flood Control District of Maricopa County.

The new Roosevelt Street storm drain will extend an existing 78-inch drain that channels water to the Indian Bend Wash. Stormwater will be captured in the streets north of Roosevelt Street/Continental Drive, improving drainage conditions in areas to the south.

The project includes the trenching and installation of:

• 7,500 linear feet of storm drain.
• 1,200 linear feet of lateral connection pipes.

The total project cost is about $13 million. Through an intergovernmental agreement, the Flood Control District of Maricopa County will contribute $8.45 million and the cities of Scottsdale and Tempe will each contribute $2.275 million.

The project is expected to be completed in December 2026.

Information can be found on Tempe’s Water Project Updates website.