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Tempe Accelerates Mill Avenue Revamp: Summer Lane Closures Ahead
TEMPE, Ariz. — In a significant update, the City of Tempe is set to renovate Mill Avenue, a key downtown street, marking the first major work in 40 years. The project, named the Downtown Refresh Project, aims to enhance both the infrastructure and appearance of Mill Avenue from University Drive to Rio Salado Parkway.
This extensive renovation will include the installation of new electrical lines, irrigation systems, and wider brick sidewalks, alongside the planting of over 100 new trees. “Our hope is that we put a new face forward in our downtown,” said Transportation and Sustainability Director Eric Iwersen. He stressed the importance of modernizing the infrastructure to better accommodate the needs of the community.
The project timeline spans several years and will be executed in phases. To expedite the process, the City initiated new road closures aimed at reducing the duration of disruptions. Notably, the southbound lanes of Mill Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic from Fifth Street to University Drive until August 8.
“We’re trying to accelerate it. We want this project to happen faster and minimize disruption to businesses and residents,” Iwersen added. Despite the construction, businesses along Mill Avenue will remain operational.
