Challenge

In Pima County, AZ, the segment of Tangerine Road from west of I-10 to east of La Canada Drive was highly susceptible to flooding, greatly hampering mobility and impacting public safety by making accessibility for emergency services difficult. There was not adequate capacity to accommodate mobility and access through this rapidly developing corridor, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities were virtually nonexistent.

Solution

Kittelson worked as a part of a team to prepare preliminary engineering, a design concept report, and 30% plans for the 10-mile widening of the Tangerine Road segment. This project involved the reconstruction of approximately five miles of two-lane roadway to four lanes of divided roadway with ped/bike facilities and the installation of additional turn lanes, in a corridor that passes through the jurisdiction of three different municipalities.

Our team obtained environmental clearances and permits and assisted with right-of-way acquisition to accommodate the roadway widening. We designed significant drainage improvements, including over 30 new cross drainage structures (e.g., pipes, box culverts, and steel arches) that will accommodate the 100-yr frequency storm. In several locations, these structures will provide safe passage for local wildlife.