The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and City of Tucson celebrated the completion of the RTA-funded Valencia Road project on Tucson’s east side, Friday, Oct. 9.
The ribbon cutting commemorated the completion of improvements to the eastern section of the Valencia Road corridor from Kolb Road to Houghton Road.
“Public infrastructure investments leverage private investment,” said Tucson Mayor and RTA Board Member Regina Romero. “At the end of the day, we want what’s best for our region.”
Tohono O’odham Nation Chairman and RTA Board Member Verlon Jose reiterated the importance of transportation infrastructure investments to economic health of the region.
“The Regional Transportation Authority is one part in the spoke of the wheel of progress,” Jose said.
Sahuarita Mayor and RTA Chairman Tom Murphy also spoke at the ribbon cutting along with Vail Unified School District Superintendent John Carruth.
Improvements to the Valencia Road corridor include:
- Widening Valencia Road to a six-lane roadway with a median
- Upgrades to traffic signals and intersections at Old Vail Road and Nexus Road
- Drainage improvements to provide all-weather access during storms
- Improved asphalt surface
- Bicycle facilities and ADA-compliant pedestrian facilities
- Native landscaping
- Dark Sky-compliant roadway lighting
- Public art
The project was included in the 2006, voter-approved RTA plan. Construction of the roadway began in November 2024. This nearly four-mile project widened Valencia Road to a six-lane roadway that included infrastructure improvements to support current and future travel needs.
Most of the project area lies within the City of Tucson. Tucson was also the lead agency on this project.
Completion of the eastern section of Valencia Road adds to previous improvements of the corridor completed as part of the 2006 RTA plan. Previous improvements to Valencia Road include:
- Valencia Road, Ajo Highway to Mark Road
- Valencia Road, Alvernon Way to Kolb Road
Upcoming improvements to Valencia Road include:
- Valencia Road, I-19 to Alvernon Way (Construction to begin in 2027)
- Valencia Road: Mission Road to Camino de Oeste (Construction to begin in 2027)
When completed, the Valencia Road corridor will include nearly 25 miles of improved and modernized roadway throughout Tucson and unincorporated Pima County with greater access for subareas such as Vail, Drexel Heights and Valencia West.
