YUMA, Ariz. – Officials broke ground on a major project at the intersection of Fourth Avenue and 16th Street.
The groundbreaking ceremony for Center Point is set to begin in the next few weeks. A long time coming for city officials who have looked forward to the project for more than a decade.
“I really think this is going to be a huge deal for the city. Not only to cut down the traffic but we see new economic development on these four corners. New jobs and new opportunities for the city and the citizens,” Yuma City Administrator Greg Wilkinson said.
The project will cost Yuma tax payers $7.2 million. Left and right turn lanes will be added to each side of the intersection, along with bike lanes. Although a welcome change from many, the next year or so will plague drivers with long wait times.
“Traffic is going to be narrowed down to one lane of through traffic through in each direction at this intersection and there will be no left turns,” Yuma Public Information Officer Dave Nash said.
City officials say drivers should plan a route ahead of time. Construction will start in the next few weeks, by local companies.
“There’s going to be new retail, there’s going to be new buildings going up. Hopefully it’s just the emergence of what it needs to get the city back moving and where it needs to be with the new economy,” Yuma Deputy Mayor William Craft said.