Tangerine Roadwork Update Aug. 1

On Tuesday, August 1, from 3 a.m. to 8 a.m., the contractor will install traffic signal arms at the La Cholla Boulevard and Tangerine Road intersection. During this time, Town of Oro Valley Police will be onsite to help direct traffic. Please expect intermittent delays of up to 5 minutes.

In a previous press release this project was mistakenly identified as a beginning August 8.

Three other projects began on Monday and will have lasting impact in the area. 

Beginning Monday, July 31 through Wednesday, August 2, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, the contractor will work on waterlines on Camino de Oeste south of Tangerine Road. During this work, traffic will be shifted around the work area, allowing one lane in each direction. Resident access will be maintained during construction. Traffic control will be in place 24 hours a day.

Beginning Monday, July 31, the contractor will begin construction on the new northbound lanes of Thornydale Road. During this work, traffic will be shifted to the west on Thornydale Road south of Tangerine Road. Traffic will be maintained to one through lane in each direction and a left turn lane in each direction at the intersection of Thornydale Road and Tangerine Road. Traffic control will be in place 24 hours. Work is anticipated to be complete by mid-September.

Beginning Monday, July 31 through Thursday, August 3 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, the contractor will pave the new westbound lanes of Tangerine Road from Tangerine Crossing Drive to La Cholla Boulevard. During this work, all side street entrances on the north side of Tangerine Road from Tangerine Crossing Drive to La Cholla Boulevard will be intermittently closed as paving equipment progresses through the area. Please expect delays. 

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Kristi or Nanette at (520) 623-3073 or by email at info@tangerineroad.info. We look forward to working with you throughout the project, and encourage any feedback to ensure the Project Team can deliver a beneficial project for the whole community. 

For more information on this project, please visit www.tangerineroad.info. For more detailed schedule information please click here.

Please be aware of bicyclists and pedestrians in the area and ensure that dogs, horses and other animals are not in the construction zone to ensure the safety of all.

Steff and the Articles thrilled to return to Marana

With their varied set list and lead vocalist’s Steff Koeppen’s Captain America-inspired dress, Steff and the Articles were one of the big hits from Marana’s Fourth of July Star Spangled Spectacular. The band will make their return to the Town on August 5 as part of the Free Music in Marana event at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park.

As the name implies the show is free, so come out and enjoy the music while lounging in a chair or on a blanket (borrow one from us if you don't have one!). Better yet, purchase a treat from a local food vendor to make your night even more complete.

The band has a nice varied set list that mixes some familiar tunes with new ones. 

“Fans can expect to hear  covers they can sing along to as well as much of our own original music, which will include a preview of the songs from our upcoming album,” Koeppen said of their September 15th release.

Their performance at the Star Spangled Spectacular had people talking well after the event. Their version of recent and classic top-40 pop songs showed off the band’s ability to add their own musicality to familiar songs. Koeppen herself has a strong, engaging voice, and she is backed by a tight band that includes some unique instruments. A pair of violinists round out their group, providing a distinct sound that separates them from other indie-pop bands.

The band’s performance at the Marana Star Spangled Spectacular not only had the fans clamoring for a return visit to the Town, but had the band wanting to come back.
“The July 4th show was so much fun,” Koeppen explained. “It was the first time we'd played in Marana since we were first getting started in 2010, and there were lots of new ears for us to reach. We were very excited to be a part of such a spectacular town event.”

The event was also a homecoming for the band as several members are from the area.
“Marana is actually where half of the band grew up, so it feels good to go back to where we started playing music and showcase how far we've come as a group,” Koeppen said.

The fact they are playing outside to an all ages crowd is very exciting for the band.

“Events like these are also much different than the bars and clubs we are used to playing in town or on tour, so we enjoy getting the chance to play for a different crowd of people as well as younger fans,” Koeppen said.

The group’s original songs touch on jazz, classical, and folk styles while maintaining an accessible, pop-oriented sound. Infectious and catchy are two words that describe their music and while they do not shy away from the “pop” label, with a band this talented it is hardly a negative description.

The band has built a strong following having opened up for national acts such as A Great Big World, Holychild, and Copeland. Koeppen played on Copeland’s most recent record “Ixora.” Since 2012 the band has released a full length record and an EP, and not only toured extensively around the West, Southwest and Mexico, but saw their single “Two Cities” garner rotation on the MTV Networks.

Their latest record will be released on September 15 and the Fee Music in Marana show will be their last before their album release show. With plans to play a lot after the record’s release, the Marana show is the last of its kind for a while.

“For anyone under 21, this might be the only chance to catch us playing live for the next few months,” Koeppen added.

Free Music in Marana with Steff and the Articles

FREE MUSIC IN MARANA

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 2017

7:00 pm -  9:00 pm

CROSSROADS AT SILVERBELL DISTRICT PARK

7548 NORTH SILVERBELL ROAD TUCSON, AZ, 85743 UNITED STATES

Marana employee wins "Plans Examiner of the Year" honor

The Town of Marana’s Senior Plans Examiner Paul Froehlke was awarded the Arizona Building Officials (AZBO) Don Cunningham Award as the Arizona Plan Reviewer of the Year.

Froehlke received the award at the AZBO’s 24th Annual Business Meeting Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Pinetop.

The award is for “Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Building Plan Review” and rewards the winner for his or her helpfulness to the public and fellow inspectors and for personal professional development.

Froehlke was nominated for a number of reasons, including his ability to manage multiple large commercial project plan reviews along with residential plan reviews. Marana has led Southern Arizona in the number of single-family residential permits issued. Over the past year Froehlke has reviewed nearly 500 permit applications, often times working late and on weekends to make the demanding deadlines.

He was recognized by his co-workers for his dedication to the improvement of public safety and his willingness to lead staff while the department going through a leadership change. He has also served a stretch of time where he was the only qualified plans examiner to complete the reviews for the town. 

Froehlke has been employed by the town as a Plan Reviewer for over 17 years.

The Arizona Building Officials Organization is the Southwest's leading source for Building Code Education and information for the built environment. It is the mission of the Arizona Building Officials to represent the interests of the four Arizona ICC Chapters, promote professionalism and educate the public through the development, promotion and conduct of our educational institutes.

Ina Road Update

ADOT has provided a quick update on the Ina Road Interchange Project, including portions of the project that have been completed and what will be worked on next.

Recently completed:

·         Installed 42-inch storm drains along the eastbound frontage road

·         Continuing to pave the eastbound lanes of I-10

·         Moving closer to pouring the bridge deck on the new Santa Cruz River bridge. Deck pouring is scheduled for mid-August.

·         Continuing foundation work for the bridge that will carry Ina over the railroad tracks and the eastbound lanes of I-10.

Coming soon:

·         East of I-10 they are preparing to lay storm drains and catch basins along Ina Road

·         West of I-10, they are continuing work to prepare to lay a 66-inch storm drain along Ina Road

·        They continue work on the eastbound frontage road and on the overpass to take Ina over the railroad tracks and I-10.

Tangerine Roadwork Update: 7/31

Three new road projects begin on Tangerine on Monday, July 31.

Beginning Monday, July 31 through Wednesday, August 2, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, the contractor will work on waterlines on Camino de Oeste south of Tangerine Road. During this work, traffic will be shifted around the work area, allowing one lane in each direction. Resident access will be maintained during construction. Traffic control will be in place 24 hours a day.

Beginning Monday, July 31, the contractor will begin construction on the new northbound lanes of Thornydale Road. During this work, traffic will be shifted to the west on Thornydale Road south of Tangerine Road. Traffic will be maintained to one through lane in each direction and a left turn lane in each direction at the intersection of Thornydale Road and Tangerine Road. Traffic control will be in place 24 hours. Work is anticipated to be complete by mid-September.

Beginning Monday, July 31 through Thursday, August 3 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, the contractor will pave the new westbound lanes of Tangerine Road from Tangerine Crossing Drive to La Cholla Boulevard. During this work, all side street entrances on the north side of Tangerine Road from Tangerine Crossing Drive to La Cholla Boulevard will be intermittently closed as paving equipment progresses through the area. Please expect delays. 

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Kristi or Nanette at (520) 623-3073 or by email at info@tangerineroad.info. We look forward to working with you throughout the project, and encourage any feedback to ensure the Project Team can deliver a beneficial project for the whole community. 

For more information on this project, please visit www.tangerineroad.info. For more detailed schedule information please click here.

Please be aware of bicyclists and pedestrians in the area and ensure that dogs, horses and other animals are not in the construction zone to ensure the safety of all.

Tucson Local Media: Fire Districts Consolodate

From an article by Logan Burtch-Buus at Tucson Local Media

Last Monday was the beginning of a busy six months for the men and woman of the Golder Ranch Fire District, which successfully consolidated with the smaller Mountain Vista Fire District.

The move officially took effect when the Mountain Vista governing board unanimously approved the action only hours after its Golder Ranch counterpart did the same. 

The towns of Marana and Oro Valley and the Pima County Board of Supervisors gave support.

Tangerine Roadwork Update: July 26-27

Three new projects will be starting this week on Tangerine Road and could affect traffic in the area. Drivers who use Tangerine Road should be advised and use caution in these areas.

 Beginning Thursday, July 27 through Friday, July 28, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, Tangerine Corridor Constructors will pave the Circle K driveway off of Tangerine Road. During this time, the driveway will be temporarily closed. Access will be maintained from Thornydale Road.

On Friday, July 28 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tangerine Corridor Constructors will pave all of the Fry's shopping center driveways and the Tangerine Crossing driveway off of Thornydale Road. During this work, driveways will be intermittently closed, with at least one open at all times to maintain business and resident access. Expect slight delays.

Beginning Friday, July 28 at 10 p.m., Tangerine Corridor constructors will shift east and westbound traffic to the north (the new westbound lanes) from the McDonald's driveway to just west of Circle K. The traveling public can anticipate slight delays while traffic is being shifted into the new westbound lanes.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Kristi or Nanette at (520) 623-3073 or by email at info@tangerineroad.info. We look forward to working with you throughout the project, and encourage any feedback to ensure the Project Team can deliver a beneficial project for the whole community. 

For more information on this project, please visit www.tangerineroad.info. For more detailed schedule information please click here.

Please be aware of bicyclists and pedestrians in the area and ensure that dogs, horses and other animals are not in the construction zone to ensure the safety of all.

Summer Schooling 2017, Pt. 6: Conference Take-Aways

Last week I was fortunate enough to attend the Arizona City/County Management Association’s Summer Conference. This wonderful event consists of dedicated public servants from municipalities across the State of Arizona who gather to share ideas, talk through difficult issues, and stay up-to-date with matters affecting our state. Our terrific Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation always asks “what are your three take-aways”, so I would like to share with you my three takeaways I gathered from the conference.

During a session titled “Leveraging Your City or County’s Reach: Effective Volunteer Programs” we discussed how to create mutually beneficial volunteer programs for citizens and municipalities. The City of Surprise highlighted their popular citizens patrol program which has been operating for 20 years. The program is made up of about 60 residents who donate their time to assist the Surprise Police Department through critical tasks including traffic control, street patrol, and even securing crime scenes. While many of the Citizen Patrol volunteers are retirees, some dedicate 40+ hours a week to give back to their community without asking for anything in return. This is a great example of a successful program which according to the City of Surprise has an average annual cost savings of $700,000. The Town of Marana has a similar program which volunteers can engage in tasks ranging from patrol to administrative support. For more information about the Marana Police Volunteer Program or to apply to become a candidate for the program, be sure to check out the Town’s website.

Like anything, there are growing pains associated with expanding an organization. A problem many local governments face as they expand is that departments within the organization unintentionally become autonomous. A session titled, “Silo Busting Strategies that Work in Your Organization” addressed this exact issue and provided examples of successful co-departmental collaborations.  The Marana Welcome Center is a perfect example of how the Town is creating a culture of collaboration. Need to pay your water bill? Want to license your dog? Have a question about business licenses? The Welcome Center is your one-stop shop for making payments and getting answers! Although Marana is a comparatively a smaller organization, it is refreshing that the Town is pro-active in promoting collaboration.

According to the Arizona Department of Economic Security, about 36,497 individuals in Arizona experienced homelessness in 2015; 6,000 of those individuals reside in Pima County. Representatives from the City of Phoenix and Maricopa County shared how they transitioned from outreach to outcomes. They strive to encourage engagement rather than enforcement and are exploring innovative ways to reduce homelessness throughout Arizona. It was inspiring to see a room full of Arizona city and town manager’s exchanging best practices and finding helpful solutions to homelessness.  

Overall, the ACMA Summer Conference was a fantastic learning experience and reminded me why I became interested in local government in the first place. It is an industry full of good-hearted public servants who are all working hard to make their neighborhoods and communities a little bit better.

Thomas Prior is a Management Intern with the Town of Marana who is learning about all facets of local government.. He is currently a senior at Arizona State University’s Barrett the Honors College pursuing a Bachelors in Public Service & Public Policy with a Business Minor.

Traffic Update: Camino de Oeste/Cortaro Farms Rd

GRG Construction will be installing water service for the construction of a new subdivision. The majority of work will be held in the shoulder of southbound lane towards Cortaro Farms Rd. The remaining work will be a single lane closure with flaggers to direct traffic when GRG Construction is connecting to water main.

The project will begin on July 24 and run until Aug. 24.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs. Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested. If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Tucson News Now: Marana Police helping teens learn what it takes to wear the badge

Over the weekend the Marana Police Department ran their annual "Night Moves" exercises for students enrolled in their Explorer program. Tucson News Now ran a very in-depth preview of the event, including a sit down interview with Officer Kevin Litten.

From the Tucson News Now story:

The Marana Police Department's Explorer program is for young men and woman between the ages of fourteen and twenty who are interested in law enforcement.  Police Officers provide training to real world scenarios.

From July 20 through the 22 , between 4 pm and 10 pm Marana Explorers, plus explorers from nine other agencies, will participate in the simulated exercises. 

Tangerine Roadwork Update: July 24 - July 28 (Updated)

Beginning Monday, July 24, Tangerine Corridor Constructors will install signal loops on Camino de Manana at Tangerine Road. This work is scheduled from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and will continue through the end of the week, weather permitting. During this time, residents and the traveling public can expect the following:

• Northbound Camino de Manana at Tangerine Road will be reduced to one lane

• All turn movements will be permitted

• Traffic control will be in place 24 hours a day

• Expect delays 

UPDATE: Beginning Tuesday, July 25 at 6 a.m. through Wednesday, July 26 at 4 p.m., Tangerine Corridor Constructors will pave the northeast corner of the Tangerine Road/Thornydale Road intersection. Residents and the traveling public can expect the following:

• No right turns will be permitted from westbound Tangerine Road to northbound Thornydale Road

• There will be no designated left turn lane in any direction

• All driveways on Thornydale Road, north of Tangerine Road will be intermittently closed during paving operations on Tuesday, July 25

• All Fry's driveways, including McDonald's, will be closed intermittently during paving operations on Wednesday, July 26

• Expect delays

There are other projects due to begin later in the week, so check back for more updates.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Kristi or Nanette at (520) 623-3073 or by email at info@tangerineroad.info. We look forward to working with you throughout the project, and encourage any feedback to ensure the Project Team can deliver a beneficial project for the whole community. 

For more information on this project, please visit www.tangerineroad.info. For more detailed schedule information please click here.

Please be aware of bicyclists and pedestrians in the area and ensure that dogs, horses and other animals are not in the construction zone to ensure the safety of all.

Tucson Local Media: Northwest demonstrating vitality in development

From an article by Deborah Van De Putte in the Explorer/Marana News

Why is there such a draw to the Northwest area, one may ask? 

What does Oro Valley, Marana and the surrounding area have that attracts people when relocating for work, second homes and retirement? Many factors play a role in answering these questions.  

First and foremost, the northwest area provides an opportunity to blend all lifestyles together easily. Municipalities keep up with the needs of the community by continuing to provide recreational parks and facilities for golf, tennis and children’s sports. Fine and casual dining, as well as captivating views of the mountain ranges, alongside hiking and biking trails makes for a big attraction. The roads are maintained and expanded for future growth.

Holiday and special events draw crowds of all ages, and let’s not forget our furry critters and dog park facilities. The needs of the community are heard, with additions and adjustments considered and implemented. Integration of all that allows communities to thrive alongside each other; happy communities attract happy people.

To accommodate happy people, the northwest is being fined tuned as builders continue to see the possibilities and vision for future growth in the area...

Ina Road Update: Planning for Monsoons Keeps Project on Schedule

The Ina Road Interchange Project is running on schedule and things are progressing well. Although a lot of that can be attributed to the hard work of all those involved in the massive undertaking, some smart planning has also helped.

“We are progressing on-schedule,” said Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Public Information Officer Tom Herrman.

ADOT and their contractors have planned for the tricky conditions that come in Southern Arizona during the latter part of July and August. One key component of that planning is scheduling early shifts to accommodate both the intense heat of the day as well as  strong rainfall which typically rolls into the area in the late afternoon and early evening.

The timeframe created for the project also has built in monsoon delays, taking account of the region’s rainy season.

“It is just like how in Minnesota they build in snow delays,” Herman explained.

Herman noted that they are making good progress with the project. Currently most of the work is being done on the west side of the freeway, so for many of those on the eastside there is not as much to see.

The Marana Newsroom will have further updates on Ina Road Interchange Project as they become available. Download the Project Ina app for the latest updates, traffic conditions, and deals from area merchants delivered right to your mobile device.

Marana Water News: WQ-What?

Ever wonder how a sewer bill is calculated? We don’t install meters for the outflow from our customer’s homes, so we use an industry standard estimate called a Winter Quarter Average (WQA). This week, we will share how this is calculated, and how it may affect your next water bill.

Most entities that provide sewer service do not install a meter on the flows into the sewer. However, we do know that many of our customers use water for irrigation or filling pools and water balloons, which means this usage would not get into the sewer system. In order to calculate the contribution to the sewer for each account, we use the WQA.

Our WQA is based on the usage for our customers during the previous December, January, and February. These months are typically the lowest usage months since we do not tend to use water outside as much during the winter months. We infer that this is the best measurement of the water used inside that would enter the sewer through dishwashers, showers, toilets, and other household uses. This allows us to provide as accurate a consumption measurement as possible.

Each July, this WQA is updated. We will calculate the average for those three winter months, and then use that to determine what each monthly sewer bill will be for the next year. When filling pools or washing cars we want you to be sure to keep these months in mind to maintain an accurate winter average. When it comes time for billing each month, we will review the monthly water consumption that was picked up from the meter reading and the WQA. Your bill will reflect whichever of these two values is lower. See the example below for how a sewer bill is calculated. Please note that Pima County Regional Water Reclamation Department now has different rates that Marana Water for sewer charges. The example shows the Marana Water rates on a sample water bill.  Since we use this average, many of our customers may see the sewer charges be exactly the same each month. That WQA is a stop-gap measure should you have any unintentional water use at the property. The WQA is the highest consumption value that a customer would pay in a given month.

The bill that our customers will receive in the next few weeks will now be calculated with these new averages. Should you see a change in the sewer charges portion of your bill, the culprit is likely your WQA. If you would like to read more about our water reclamation division, click here. As always, we are happy to review a statement with you, just give our office a call at (520) 382-2570.

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Builder: LGI ramps up in Arizona

From an article on BuilderOnline:

LGI is now building in its newest community in Marana, Vanderbilt Farms.

A variety of open concept floor plan options are offered at Vanderbilt Farms ranging from spacious 3 bedroom homes with large living areas to 5 bedroom homes with elaborate kitchens and upstairs lofts. All of the homes include $15,000 in upgrades including all new stainless steel kitchen appliances, granite countertops and espresso wood cabinets. Each new home offers brick or stone exterior accents, covered entryways and front- yard landscaping. Also included are spacious covered patios and fully fenced backyards. Homes in Vanderbilt Farms start in the low-$200s.

Located near I-10, Vanderbilt Farms is in the Town of Marana. Marana offers an array of recreation opportunities for residents including multiple area parks, golf courses, community pools, hiking and biking venues, art classes, fitness classes and more.

Read the full article.

The Vanderbilt Farms development is off of Moore Rd. to the east of Sandario.

Night Moves gives Marana Police Explorers hands on experience

The Marana Police Department strives to give the young people going through their Law Enforcement Explorer Program the most authentic experience possible. The culmination of that experience is their “Night Moves” training exercise.

This year’s exercise has been expanded to cover three nights. On July 20-22, between 4 pm and 10 pm Marana Explorers, plus explorers from nine other agencies, will participate in the simulated exercises.  

The Explorers will be assigned to teams and supervised by a uniformed police officer in a marked police vehicle. The teams will be dispatched to a variety of simulated calls for service in real world locations. The Explorers have to work the radio, navigate travel to the calls, investigate the calls, complete any necessary reports and manage their own time. Night Moves is as close to the experience of being a Police Officer as anyone can get without being sworn in.

“These kids learned what it is truly like to be a police officer hands on,” said Marana Police Officer Kevin Litten, who oversees the Explorers program. “Anything I would do in a day, they are responsible for on that five-hour shift.”

The simulation utilizes police officer and volunteer role players to be the victims, witnesses, and suspects for the scenarios. These scenarios will take place in the Gladden Farms, Dove Mountain and Continental Ranch areas. For safety, a uniformed police officer will be at each location.

In addition to the Marana Police Department, Explorers from the El Mirage Police Department, Marana Police Department, Oro Valley Police Department, South Tucson Police Department, Tucson Police Department, United States Border Patrol – Tucson Sector, United States Border Patrol – Douglas Sector, Glendale Police Department, and Pascua Yaqui Tribal Police Department will participate.

The Explorer program is for young men and woman who are between the ages of fourteen and twenty who are interested in Law Enforcement. Police Officers provide training to the Explorers so they can determine if they would like to pursue a career in Law Enforcement.

“What we do is give them the real world, realistic training to make sure this is a career field they really want,” Litten said. “To help give them that education so they don’t have to waste time as they are older if this is something they don’t really want to do.”

If you have any questions regarding the Marana Police Explorer Program, or would like more information on this training exercise, please contact Officer Kevin Litten at (520) 975-9487. For more information on this program, please visit the Marana Police Explorers Facebook page (Facebook.com/MaranaPoliceExplorers).

Tangerine Roadwork Update July 18-19

Beginning Tuesday, July 18 through Wednesday, July 19 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, Tangerine Corridor Constructors will install temporary drainage across Tangerine Road, between La Cholla Boulevard and La Canada Drive. During this work, residents and the traveling public can expect the following:

• Traffic will be shifted around the work areas

• Flaggers will be onsite to help direct traffic 

• Speed limits will be reduced to 25 MPH

• Expect slight delays

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Kristi or Nanette at (520) 623-3073 or by email at info@tangerineroad.info. We look forward to working with you throughout the project, and encourage any feedback to ensure the Project Team can deliver a beneficial project for the whole community. 

For more information on this project, please visit www.tangerineroad.info. For more detailed schedule information please click here.

Please be aware of bicyclists and pedestrians in the area and ensure that dogs, horses and other animals are not in the construction zone to ensure the safety of all.

Marana News: Mountain View grad carves out music career

Caiden Brewer has played a few of the Town's events, including a set at the 4th of July Star Spangled Spectacular. The former Mountain View student was profiled by the Marana News.

From the Marana News story:

While his music is deeply rooted in traditional country music (he cites Waylon Jennings and Charlie Pride as his early favorites), he also adds in other influences including rock.

“I’ve been told that my music is a modern incarnation of southern rock, outlaw country,” Brewer said.

Brewer’s set mixes originals, country songs and countrified rock-songs. At the Star Spangled Spectacular, he played a version of Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” Brewer said he grew up listening to bands like ZZ Top and Motley Crue and those influences creep into his performance.

Read the full story at the Marana News

Traffic Update: Continental Reserve Loop 7/17-8/4

Dirt Works Contracting will be connecting water and sewer lines for new building development behind the Quick Mart at Continental Reserve Loop. The project is scheduled to begin on July 17 and run through Aug. 4.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs. Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly.

Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested. If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit Maranaaz.gov like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Town adjusts turn light timing to aid traffic

With major construction projects underway, Marana residents and visitors have had to deal with traffic issues, but the Town is doing their best to do what they can to adjust to changing traffic conditions. With projects at West Ina Road and I-10, East Tangerine Road and Cortaro/Cortaro Farms Roads, plus smaller projects on North Silverbell Road, West Twin Peaks Road and even south of the town at Sunrise Road, traffic has been affected adversely. 

Scott Leska, the Town of Marana Engineering Manager told business leaders at a Marana Chamber of Commerce Community and Regional Update that they recognize things are “tough” in places for their residents and businesses and that the closure of West Ina Road at the interstate has proven to be big challenge for the town. With extra traffic utilizing West Orange Grove Road to get off I-10, traffic was becoming an issue on North Thornydale Road between Orange Grove and Ina. 

Leska and his team’s first task was to re-time the traffic signals at the intersection and get the traffic moving on Thornydale. The most notable aspect of the retiming is the double service or double pump of the left hand turn lanes from eastbound Orange Grove onto north bound Thornydale. With more traffic utilizing Orange Grove to leave I-10, the Town saw a need to get traffic flowing better onto Thornydale to avoid back-ups on Orange Grove and the freeway. 

The turn lanes now get two green lights, allowing more cars through the intersection. 

“What we found, doing that, with just minor tweaking of the traffic timing, we could get more traffic moving through that left-turn movement,” Leska said.

Although more traffic was getting through that intersection and onto Thornydale, that caused problems of its own. The move caused a substantial delay and back-up with the left-turn movement at the intersection of Thornydale and West Costco Drive. 

“It seemed that everyone wanted to go to Costco,Home Depot, and the other businesses within that area,” Leska said.  

Drivers had to back up to the south of the dual left turns and occasionally blocked through traffic.

To combat the new problem, the Town allowed a double-service left-turn movement for that traffic cycle as well. As with the change at Orange Grove Road, that too helped with traffic flow. 

Due to the amount of traffic diverted due to construction activities within this area, the whole corridor will remain over capacity until the Ina Road project concludes. The Town’s goal is to  keep traffic moving as efficient possible. Traffic Signals were retimed at Horizon Hills, and have utilized flashing-yellow left-turn arrows. The Town has used these left-turn flashing yellow arrows elsewhere in the community, which have seen an decrease in vehicular delay.  This has also helped keep drivers more vigilant in their driving habits as well as provided increased flexibility regardingsignal timing.

Cortaro/Cortaro Farms Road is another route used as a detour around the Ina Road construction.  This route too has been problematic and difficult at times for the traveling public 

The staff worked “diligently” with ADOT to retime the traffic signal at the interchange and ADOT created dual left turn lanes to get motorists off I-10 and onto eastbound Cortaro Farms Road. The retiming of this interchange traffic signal is intended to allow drivers spend less time on the off-ramp and allow more time to drivers traveling under the freeway along Cortaro Road.

“It’s not perfect, but it is slowly getting to a solution we can handle, at least for the next 20 months,” Leska said. 

After ADOT completes the construction at the Ina Road interchange, traffic should normalize, and congestion should be reduced significantly at the Orange Grove Rd and Cortaro Road interchanges along I-10.  The Department of Public Works will keep a close eye on the traffic congestion in the area, and focus on working to provide other solutions that help motorists to keep moving.