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Tucson
(Kgun9-TV), 11/07/2014, Construction at the intersection of Houghton and
Broadway has been a burden for drivers and businesses since November, but next
month that headache should be gone.
The $10 million project is on track to be finished three
months early. Its part of the larger Houghton Road Corridor project approved by
voters in 2006 with a budget of $2.1 billion. The Regional Transportation
Authority is increasing the Houghton to six lanes at the intersection, creating
dual left turn lanes, dedicated right turn lanes and bus pull-outs, adding new
traffic signals, building underground drainage for all weather conditions, and
adding bike paths and sidewalks.
"Certainly its a plus to be ahead of schedule and
that's good for the businesses in the area," said Mike Graham, spokesman
for Tucson Department of Transportation.
Mama's Pizza is in the shopping center at the corner of
Broadway and Houghton. Store manager, Joseph Spina, says this has been their
slowest year yet.
"People avoid the area naturally, and i think we all do
it," he said about drivers while construction is going on.
Drivers also say they are sometimes confused when driving through
the area.
"Lately I can't find what entrance I'm supposed to go
in," said Nancy Stockel about going to the Safeway at the intersection.
With the project supposed to wrap up next month, both
Stockel and Spina say the project was important.
"I'm sure its much needed," says Stockel.
"This stuff has to happen if the city is gonna grow and
things are gonna get better for us and other businesses in the city," said
Spina.
Next month the Regional Transportation Authority will begin
construction to widen Houghton
Road between Broadway and 22nd Street to six lanes. For more
information on the project, go to www.houghtonroad.info.
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