The city of Sedona is in the early stages of one of several construction projects proposed or planned to help with traffic in and around the city.

The city is soliciting Statements of Qualifications from interested and qualified consultants to provide engineering services for improvements to be made in Uptown. The proposals that are due on Jan. 25 are for the selection of a design consultant.

The basis for selection will include consultant qualifications and experience, project manager experience, project team qualifications and experience, project approach, available resources and other criteria as indicated in the Request for Qualifications. Associate City Engineer Bob Welch said they anticipate awarding a design contract to the selected consultant at the second council meeting in March.

The scheduled date for start of construction has not yet been established or finalized at this stage of the project.

“In general, construction will occur at some point during the 2019 fiscal year [which begins July 1],” he said. “Timing, phasing and duration of construction will be refined throughout the design and public outreach process.”

He said the current project planning budget is approximately $3.5 million and includes design, property acquisition and construction. As for the work itself, Welch said construction will include a raised median with decorative barrier or landscaping, construction of both a turnaround on the north end of Uptown and an additional southbound travel lane on State Route 89A through Uptown.

In addition, work includes a roundabout on SR 89A at Jordan Road as well as development of a new access to public parking via Schnebly Road and traffic signal alterations.

“The construction of a median will help improve traffic flow and safety through Uptown by reducing turning movement conflicts and channeling pedestrians to legal crossings,” he said, adding that this project is part of the overall transportation master plan.

“This project was one of the specific strategies presented to the public during the second phase of public outreach.” As for its need, Welch added, “The project is purposed on reducing congestion, turning movement conflicts and improving vehicle and pedestrian safety within the Uptown corridor.”

Ron Eland can be reached at 282-7795 ext. 122 or by email at reland@larsonnewspapers.com