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Motorists traveling on State Route 77 (Oracle Road), north of Oro Valley to Catalina, should be aware of the following traffic restrictions as the Arizona Department of Transportation prepares to detour traffic onto northbound SR 77 on Sunday, March 8. The work is part of a project to widen the roadway between Tangerine Road and the Pinal County line.
SR 77 traffic will be shifted to the northbound side of SR 77 between Wilds Road and Vistoso Commerce Loop beginning 9 p.m. Sunday, March 8 for approximately four months to allow crews to construct the west side of the new wildlife overpass and underpass and widen the southbound side of SR 77. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction.
North- and southbound SR 77 traffic will be unable to turn left between Wilds Road and Vistoso Commerce Loop during this work. (See attached map.)
SR 77 will be reduced to one lane nightly in both directions between Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and Wilds Road Sunday, March 8, through Thursday, March 12, from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for traffic signal, drainage, and water improvement work.
The north- and southbound SR 77 shoulders between Tangerine Road and Eagle Crest Ranch Boulevard are closed through the remainder of the project.
The following right turn bays will remain closed through 2015:
Southbound SR 77 between Vistoso Commerce Loop and Tangerine Road
Southbound SR 77 at Thistle Road
Northbound SR 77 at Golder Ranch Drive and Wilds Road
Additionally, intermittent driveway closures will continue along SR 77, north of Tangerine Road, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays through summer 2015 for utility work, cattle guards and drainage pipes. Driveway access will be maintained.
Drivers, cyclists and pedestrian are urged to be cautious while traveling through the work zone, especially in the detour area as shoulders will be significantly restricted.
Law enforcement will be monitoring this area as the speed limit is 45 mph between Tangerine Road and Eagle Crest Road.
In addition, please be aware of the following traffic control:
Two lanes of travel in each direction will remain open through the work zone during the day.
45 mph during the day, but may be reduced at other times when lane closures are in use.
Additional lane restrictions throughout the work boundaries as needed.
Cyclists will need to merge safely onto the traffic lane during shoulder closures.
ADOT works to inform the public about planned roadway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur due to weather or equipment issues.
Drivers are reminded to share the road, be cautious, and slow down while traveling through the work zone.
For more information about this project, please call Paki Rico at 520-388-4233, email prico@azdot.gov or visit the website at azdot.gov/TangerinetoPinal.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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