The opening of the 4th Avenue underpass, reconnecting downtown to 4th Avenue and the University of Arizona, drew more than 1,000 people on Aug. 20.
Speakers at the dedication included Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup, Tucson Councilmember Nina Trasoff, Pima County Board of Supervisors’ Chairman Richard Elias, Pima Association of Governments’ Regional Council Chair Lynne Skelton, University of Arizona President Richard Shelton and other elected and business officials.
The new $46 million underpass features one travel lane in each direction carrying vehicle and trolley traffic, separate bicycle lanes and two lighted, pedestrian ways accessible for persons with disabilities.
The structure includes a water fountain, an elevator, photo mosaic tile, landscaping and elevated walkways.
A multi-use path and steel enclosure over the underpass on the north side connects to the Rattlesnake and Basket Bridges. An elevated pedestrian walkway provides pedestrian access from the historic depot to the public plaza development planned for the area surrounding the intersection of Congress Street.
This regionally significant project includes $40.9 million in regional funds through Pima Association of Governments and another $3.6 million from the Regional Transportation Authority for streetcar track and electrification.
The addition of modern streetcar service will be funded partly by the RTA under the 20-year RTA plan approved by voters in May 2006. The streetcar system will include seven vehicles, which will make 18 stops along the 3.9-mile route between the Mercado District on the west side of Interstate 10 and the University Health Sciences Center. The total cost for the installation of the streetcar service is estimated at $150 million. The streetcar project is managed by the City of Tucson. |