The City of Tucson has successfully reconfigured S. 12th Avenue from five lanes to three, adding bike lanes and parking, significantly enhancing safety by reducing pedestrian crashes by up to 84% and eliminating traffic fatalities.
This transformation offers local residents a safer, more accessible street with minimal impact on travel times.
Public Safety Measures
The reconfiguration of S. 12th Avenue between Irvington Road and Drexel Road has led to remarkable improvements in public safety.
The project reduced the number of lanes from five to three, incorporating a center turn lane, on-street parking, and enhanced bike lanes.
According to the University of Arizona’s Center for Applied Transportation Sciences study, these changes resulted in a 100% reduction in traffic-related fatalities and an 84% decrease in pedestrian-involved crashes.
Local Businesses
Local businesses along S. 12th Avenue are likely to benefit from the street’s new configuration. The addition of on-street parking improves customer access while the safer pedestrian and bike infrastructure encourages increased foot traffic.
With minimal changes in travel times—an 8.7% decrease northbound and a 4% increase southbound—business operations such as deliveries remain largely unaffected.
Upcoming Infrastructure Enhancements
- Green storm infrastructure (GSI) will be added between Drexel Road and Irvington Road.
- Trees and landscaping will replace existing painted asphalt sections.
- The GSI aims to provide shade, beautification, and stormwater management benefits.
- Construction is set to begin in September with long-term environmental improvements expected.
Community Program Highlights
This project aligns with Tucson’s broader transportation initiatives aimed at improving mobility and economic development.
It complements past efforts like the Sun Link modern streetcar system launched in 2014, which connects key districts including the University of Arizona.
Such projects have collectively spurred over $1 billion in private investment while enhancing transit options across the city.
Additional Reading
Wrapping Up
The reconfiguration of S. 12th Avenue marks a significant step forward for Tucson’s commitment to enhancing public safety and urban mobility.
As construction begins on green infrastructure enhancements, residents can look forward to further improvements that promise not only aesthetic benefits but also environmental sustainability for their community.
Sources: City of Tucson, and City of Tucson Transportation and Mobility News Release.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely local insights from official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
