Work begins today digging out built up sediment in the Alamo Wash.
Crews are anticipating the removal of about 5,000 cubic square yards worth where the riverbed meets the Rillito, just east of Swan Road.
The work will began this morning at 6:30 and will end daily at 5 p.m. No crews will be along the path on weekends. The project is expected to be complete by April 30.
The digging will prepare the for the monsoon storms, which brings more than half of Tucson's yearly rainfall.
“Every summer is different. Some years the Rillito gets most of the action, other years it’s the CDO Wash,” said project manager Colby Fryar. “You never know what part of the flood control system is going to need to be ready, so we start work well ahead of time addressing problems before they happen.”
As part of the work, trucks hauling away sediment and debris will access the project site using a temporary ramp near The Loop trailhead and parking area east of the Swan Road bridge. The vehicles will enter and exit Swan from Paseo de los Rios, at the entrance to the Summerlin Villas Apartments for the duration of the project. The truck traffic also will cause intermittent, temporary delays for Loop users. A spotter hired by the project’s contractor will manage the right of way.
