For years, Shelby Drive was one that many local motorists avoided, and when that wasn’t possible, proceeded with caution. That should soon change.

Work on the roadway began late last month by Eagle Mountain Construction with a price tag of $1,839,300. The project consists of installing a new storm drain, sewer main and water main along Shelby Drive from Sunset Drive to just south of Stanley Steamer Drive.

Additional work includes the installation of new asphalt pavement, curb and gutter, a shared-use path on the north side of Shelby Drive and the reconstruc­tion of driveway entrances along the project corridor. Once complete, the city expects this project will increase pedestrian safety, upgrade the utilities that serve the local community, extend the pavement life and improve the ride quality for local motorists.

Work is scheduled to be complete in the fall.

Sedona City Engineer Andy Dickey said the existing road is in disrepair, which is an issue as this roadway serves one of the only industrial portions of Sedona and is a vital area to the community. This segment of Shelby connects two public roadways, so its connectivity is crucial.

“The road is in bad shape. It has only had minor repair in the past,” Dickey said this week. “This is mainly due to the street previously being private and lacking any organized agreement for maintenance. The city felt it was important to take over the road due to the amount of services the public accesses in this commercial area, and to help facilitate future development.”

As this portion of roadway is private, the city had to acquire this portion of land as public right-of-way to proceed. This is still in process.

“As time has passed, roadway maintenance has remained incomplete, and the roadway is currently in poor condition,” a 2019 city report stated. “This is an issue as this roadway serves one of the only indus­trial portions of Sedona and is a vital area to the community.”

Work is slated to occur Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Motorists are asked to be aware of lane restric­tions, temporary street and driveway closures, reduced speeds, rough road condi­tions, loud noise and flag­ging operations.

The project had been in the works since September 2019 when Kimley-Horn Inc was awarded a design contract for $133,615. Design for this project was originally expected to begin the following year, a city report states. However, Economic Development Director Molly Spangler secured a $500,000 grant, so the project was moved up. The grant had an 18-month timeline from formal acceptance to completion. But due to COVID-19, that 18-month deadline was extended.

The 2019 Sunset Live/Work Community Focus Area identified the lack of sewer and road infrastruc­ture as a key issue for devel­opment and redevelopment, which will be addressed by this project.

In 1977, the subdivision plat for the AAA Industrial Park was recorded. The report states that the portion of Shelby Drive that passes through the subdivision — approximately 1,500 feet of roadway — was identi­fied by the plat as a 40-foot private right-of-way. The plat required that each parcel with frontage on Shelby Drive be responsible for 20 feet to the center of the roadway.

To avoid conflicts with construction equipment and expedite completion of the project, the city is asking motorists to avoid on-street parking while work is underway. Driveway access will be maintained as best as possible, however, it may change on a day-to-day basis. Temporary driveway closures may be necessary at times.

To receive eNews project updates, find additional project information or reach a project team member, email news@shelbydriveimprovements.com or call the Project Hotline at 852-4164.