Safford to resume 20th Avenue construction on Tuesday, July 5

Photo Courtesy City of Safford/Via Facebook: The city of Safford announced the resumption of construction on the 20th Avenue widening project beginning Tuesday, July 5.

Staff Reports

SAFFORD – On Friday, the city of Safford announced on its social media page that construction to widen 20th Avenue from Relation Street to Golf Course Road will resume Tuesday, July 5. 

Construction initially began in September 2021 but was halted in May 2022, when there was a concrete shortage. With construction resuming, motorists should be aware of possible delays and/or lane closures while traveling through the construction area.  

The project was originally slated to come in at about $4.4 million but delays due to material shortages have since added an additional $1.3 million to the price tag – which was covered by COVID funds and the state. 

The construction will increase the existing road into five lanes with curb, gutter, and sidewalks on both sides of the street. According to the city of Safford, other improvements include storm drains, a center turn lane, concrete driveway entrances, retaining walls in some locations, and a 12-inch water main replacement. 

Walking path closed

The city also announced the full closure of the multiuse path between 14th Avenue and 8th Avenue from July 5 – 8. There will also be another full closure from July 11 – 29, from 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. During the July 11 – 29 closure, the path will be open during the evenings and weekends. 

The path is being closed for the extension of the city’s reclaimed water line. 

Holiday trash schedule

With Independence Day being Monday, the city’s residential trash collection normally picked up on Monday will be switched to Tuesday, and Tuesday collection will be switched to Wednesday, July 6. Other trash routes/days will not be affected.