Federal BUILD funding targets a congested Tucson corridor
TUCSON — The city received a $25 million federal grant to replace the aging Rillito River bridge and reconstruct roughly one mile of 1st Avenue between Wetmore Road and River Road, city and federal officials announced this week. The award comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development program, part of a larger round of infrastructure funding distributed nationwide.
What the project will change
The reconstruction is expected to do more than swap out concrete. Planned improvements listed by the city include:
- Bridge replacement over the Rillito River to address structural needs and traffic flow.
- Roadway reconstruction of the corridor between Wetmore Road and River Road.
- ADA-compliant sidewalks and separated multimodal facilities intended to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Adaptive signal technology to improve traffic operations and reduce delays.
- Drainage upgrades to address stormwater and flood concerns along the corridor.
Costs, timing and the bigger picture
The total project cost is estimated at more than $49 million, meaning the BUILD grant will cover about half of the anticipated bill. Officials have not released a construction timeline or phased schedule yet. The project is one of 127 across the country to receive BUILD funding in this round; the program awarded a combined $1.73 billion to projects in states, territories and the District of Columbia. According to the Department of Transportation summary, roughly 77% of the round’s funding went to roads and bridges nationally.
"Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development"
The 1st Avenue corridor serves commuters, local businesses and industrial traffic near the Rillito River. Replacing the bridge and installing separated bike and pedestrian facilities aligns with Tucson’s long-term goals to expand safe, multimodal transportation options while maintaining freight movements and commuter capacity.
Local impacts to watch
For drivers and transit users, the work will likely mean temporary detours, lane restrictions and phased closures once the city finalizes construction plans. For neighborhoods and businesses along 1st Avenue, benefits could include improved crossings, better drainage during storm events and reduced travel delays from smarter traffic signals. The state and city may also pursue additional funding or bond measures if costs rise beyond current estimates.
Because the award stems from a national competitive process announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, the grant also positions Tucson within a broader wave of federal investment aimed at upgrading critical transportation arteries. Locally, the project will be one to watch for residents who use 1st Avenue daily and for those following how federal infrastructure dollars are spent in Southern Arizona.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Grant source | U.S. DOT BUILD program |
| Federal award | $25 million |
| Estimated total cost | More than $49 million |
| Project limits | 1st Avenue between Wetmore Road and River Road |
| Main elements | Bridge replacement, roadway reconstruction, ADA sidewalks, multimodal lanes, adaptive signals, drainage |
City officials have yet to publish a firm schedule for design, permitting or construction. Residents should expect the city to share more details as project planning advances, including traffic plans and opportunities for public comment on design elements that affect adjacent neighborhoods.
