Downtown Tempe Refresh begins final road work steps on Monday

Drivers in Tempe have been dealing with road work since May 26 when milling and paving has been taking place from University Drive to Rio Salado Parkway.

But on Monday, June 22, that will change, city officials said.

Crews will reopen the road south of Fourth Street and continue paving north toward Rio Salado Parkway, with new closures in place and that will affect the Third Street and Mill Avenue intersection to south of Rio Salado Parkway from June 22 until July 8, according to a city of Tempe release.

Mill Avenue and a portion of the intersecting streets off of Mill Avenue will be closed to all vehicle and bicycle traffic.

Pedestrian and business access will be maintained, along with local traffic access in some phases, the release stated.

Work hours will vary depending on the phase and activity but some 24-hour work will be required. There will be periodic closures to the streetcar.

For more: valleymetro.org/rider-alerts

Downtown Tempe Refresh is “the first major infrastructure project for this area in 40 years,” the release stated.

Work has included new electrical lines, a new irrigation system, new and wider brick sidewalks with artistic treatments, new paving, 112 new trees and 26 ficus trees saved.

Once the upcoming paving is complete, all major elements of the project will be complete, according to the city.

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