The city of Sedona is optimistic that a nearly $1 million bridge project will help to mitigate ongoing flooding problems along a popular roadway.

On Friday, Jan. 8, a major portion of a storm drainage improvement project took place with the installation of a bridge over a low-lying portion of Sunset Drive.

David Peck, an associate engineer for the city, said because there was no capacity for runoff from Carroll Canyon Wash under the existing roadway, Sunset Drive has been frequently closed at this low-water crossing

“The existing low-water crossing creates a liability for the city and additional demand on our maintenance division and police department,” he said.

In November of last year, Banicki Construction Company began the Sunset Drive Crossing Drainage Improvements Project. This project is expected to be complete by mid-March with a cost of $956,960.23.

Peck said that through mid-March, Sunset Drive will be closed between South Monte Verde Drive and the Sunset Park entrance. Sunset Park will remain open during the project. Detour signage will direct traffic around the work zone via South Monte Verde Drive to Shelby Drive. All areas south of the project area will remain accessible by using Shelby Drive.

The Shelby-Sunset Live/Work Community Focus Area Plan priori­tizes the installation of this wash crossing as well as a safe pedestrian conne c t ion be twe e n South Monte Verde Drive and Sunset Park. The plan states, “A bridge on Sunset Drive is recom­mended to improve safety and make the road pass­able to vehicles, pedes­trians and bicycles when the wash is flowing.”

Peck said these storm drainage improvements will provide enough crossing capacity under­neath the roadway to convey the 25-year runoff event of 1,145 cubic feet per second and add a new pedestrian connection.

“A raised water crossing at this location will drastically reduce the vertical curvature of the roadway,” he said. “This will make the roadway safer and more comfort­able to drive.”

The project involves construction of a concrete arch culvert and wingwalls with a 20-foot wide by 8- foot-high opening. The project includes asphalt removal and replace­ment with new curb and gutter to be constructed along the west side of the roadway, Peck said. A 10-foot-wide earth-toned concrete shared-use path will be constructed along the west side of Sunset Drive to make a connec­tion between the existing sidewalks at South Monte Verde Drive and Sunset Park.

The project also includes construction of surface and subsurface drainage improvements, Peck said.

Finally, the project will incorporate some traffic calming strategies to reduce vehicular speeds in this area of Sunset Drive.