Beginning Monday, March 2nd, Hunter Contracting will begin the first of 13 street bond projects approved by Mesa voters on Nov. 4th, 2008. The project is at the intersection of Gilbert Road and University Drive, which currently experiences significant congestion during peak drive times. “It is exciting to see the first project get started after a great deal of planning and design,” City Engineer Beth Huning said. “We will work hard to minimize impacts on nearby businesses and drivers while getting the job done on time and within budget.”
The project is expected to be completed in late fall and includes extending the six-lane section on Gilbert Road through the University Drive intersection, a third through lane in each direction on University drive, dual left turn lanes for all directions, bus pullouts on all four corners and a right turn lane for eastbound traffic.
“Mesa residents voted on a package of street projects and we are ready to deliver,” Transportation Director Dan Cleavenger said. “This project will help relieve traffic congestion during peak hours and reduce accidents at the intersection.”
The first phase of the project includes moving 69 KV power lines on the north side of University to accommodate street widening and placing 12 KV lines on the west side of Gilbert underground.
One lane of traffic in each direction will be open at all times throughout the duration of the project and City staff will work with businesses impacted by construction to maintain customer access. Certain elements of construction may limit left turns intermittently during the project.