It’s now been over a month since the first shovel went into the ground in Uptown as part of the city’s Sedona in Motion project. And according to those overseeing the project — so far, so good.
The Uptown work is the first phase of the $35 million SIM plan to help reduce traffic congestion in Sedona. Stephen Craver, the city’s engineering supervisor, said his department is pleased with the progress so far as well as the work done by Eagle Mountain Construction.
“Not only for the actual construction work but their communication with the Uptown business owners,” Craver said of Eagle Mountain. “There have been some business impacts — unfortunately, it’s unavoidable — but the city and chamber are doing all we can to keep things moving and spread the word to the community about business support.
“Every little bit helps our Uptown businesses, so we encourage all Sedona residents to take advantage of the weekly Wednesday Buy One, Get One deals, and support our local business owners.”
Jason Woods, project manager for Eagle Mountain Constriction, said beginning this week traffic control was moved over to the west side of the Jordan Road roundabout and traffic flow will use the new section of roundabout, which was completed last week. Demolition of the east side began Monday and continues throughout the week. Work on the Forest Road and State Route 89A intersection will begin the following week. Crews are also prepping the retaining wall that will be placed in front of Clear Creek Trading Co. with work to begin next week.
In terms of any setbacks so far, Woods said that’s often to be expected.
“Construction work in general — and especially civil work — inherently has unknown conflicts underground and many have been encountered,” he said. “Making schedule adjustments and finding solutions quickly is key and as of now the project schedule has not been negatively effected.”
Despite the disruption caused to traffic flow, Woods said the support they have received from Uptown merchants has been very positive.
“I think and hope that the Uptown merchants see that we are really trying to accommodate everyone as much as possible and trying to complete the area in front of their businesses as efficiently as possible,” he said. “The crews have gotten some very kind words and gestures from the Uptown merchants and I have to say that small things like that really goes a long way with these guys.”
Aside from the roundabouts, additional project improvements include:
- An additional southbound lane along State Route 89A within the project limits.
- A new connector road between State Route 89A and free parking along Schnebly Road.
- Landscaped, decorative median along State Route 89A through Uptown.
- Decorative median and extended sidewalk on the north side of Forest Road, between State Route 89A and Van Deren Road.
Once finished, the city stated the project will improve traffic flow and safety, decrease delays, and create more opportunities for pedestrian access to Uptown businesses.
For more information on the project, visit simuptown.com.
Ron Eland can be reached at 282-7795, ext. 122 or by email at reland@larsonnewspapers.com
