Work to improve State Route 80 in historic Tombstone begins

Work to improve State Route 80 in historic Tombstone begins next week

Improvements to address pedestrian safety and appearance of Fremont Street

The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin work next week on a project to improve the appearance of State Route 80 where it passes through the historic city of Tombstone and enhance safety for pedestrians.

The $1 million project will include work to replace existing sidewalks on SR 80, known locally as Fremont Street, between Third and Sixth streets, narrow the width of the roadway from 68 feet to 44 feet and construct new curbs and landscaping.

The narrower roadway will make it easier for pedestrians in the popular tourist town to cross the highway.

The improvement project is scheduled to start on Wednesday, Aug. 19 with architectural work to stabilize a water-damaged section of adobe on historic Schieffelin Hall, which was built in 1881 at the corner of Freemont Street and Fourth Street. The massive two-story theater is among the largest standing Anglo American-built adobe structures in the Southwest.

After the damaged adobe is replaced, a porch similar to one that originally was part of the hall will be constructed and sidewalks will be replaced.

Sidewalks and curb ramps will be replaced within the project area that will meet requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Also, street lighting will be added and some driveways will be removed or consolidated.

Crews will remove the existing stairwells at Fremont and Seventh streets that used to lead to a pedestrian overpass that served the old Tombstone High School.

Travel restrictions are expected to begin Thursday, Aug. 20 when work begins to narrow the roadway. During the work, one travel lane will remain open in each direction with a two-way turn lane in the middle. Traffic impacts are expected to be minimal, but pedestrian activity in the project area will be affected.

The SR 80 – Fremont Street project is expected to be completed by mid-2016.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center atwww.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

For more information about this project, please call C.T. Revere, ADOT Senior Community Relations Officer, at 1.520.705.3574 or email at crevere@azdot.gov.