ARIZONA DAILY STAR: Thurs., May 1, 2008
Three major projects under way; new Tangerine Farms Road almost done
By Brian J. Pedersen
At first glance, it might look like road construction has become a new cottage industry for the town of Marana. Major road projects in three sections of town have caused — or are about to cause — headaches for drivers trying to get to and from work and home.
Though they acknowledge that the improvements are annoying, town officials say the work is necessary for Marana to better accommodate increased traffic. The projects affect North Silverbell and North Thornydale roads, and the extension of West Tangerine Farms Road.
The three projects will cost a total of $62 million for 5.6 miles of new or widened roads.
Silverbell Road: Work was scheduled to begin today to widen Silverbell from two to five lanes between Cortaro and Ina roads. The $16 million project, which also involves installation of a new sewer line under the road and realignment of some tight curves in the road, requires Silverbell to be completely closed to traffic between Ina and North Bradstreet Drive until Nov. 1.
Tangerine Farms Road: The new 3.8-mile road linking some of Marana's largest new residential communities with I-10 is almost ready to open, with town officials scheduling June 25 for the grand opening of Tangerine Farms from West Moore Road to I-10.
But before the $29.7 million project can be complete, work must be done to reconfigure the area where Tangerine Farms will connect with the freeway and the eastbound I-10 frontage road. As a result, drivers getting off I-10 at West Tangerine Road and those wanting to get onto I-10 from that interchange will face about two months' worth of lane restrictions or road closures.
"The frontage road is going to be rerouted," said Morris Reyna, Marana Construction Division manager. "This will serve as a permanent detour until the frontage road eventually becomes one-way."
Thornydale Road: Work continues on Thornydale to widen it to three lanes in each direction between West Orange Grove Road and the Cañada del Oro Wash. The $16.3 million project began in January and is expected to be completed in January 2009.
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