The Flagstaff City Council discussed a plan to alter Butler Avenue on Tuesday. This project intends to widen Butler Avenue from Little America to the Sinagua Heights subdivision and widen 4th Street from Sparrow Avenue to the Canyon Del Rio development south of Butler Avenue. Another goal of this project is to add multi-purpose pathways with designated bike lanes. Other alterations include the Butler Avenue and 4th Street intersection being raised to reduce flooding impacts from Spruce Avenue Wash and the Herold Ranch Road intersection being realigned and converted into a roundabout. The notion of a roundabout received mixed reviews from council as some claimed it could be efficient while others believed it may cause unnecessary confusion. This project is likely to have several utility relocations, possible pipe upsizing, and significant stormwater infrastructure improvements. It will be funded by the City of Flagstaff Transportation Tax that was approved by voters in 2000 and Proposition 419 which was approved in 2018. The project is estimated to cost about $16 million. Upon receiving a design contract, those putting this plan into motion will compile existing project information and prepare exhibits and conceptual designs. This project is estimated to begin construction this summer.
###
Culley Emborg
