State Route 77 / Oracle Road multimodal corridor profile study / final report

              Final Report
May 2007
In Association with:
Lima & Associates
The Planning Center
Harris Environmental Group, Inc.
Cannon & Associates
(A division of TranSystems Corporation)
MMLA, Inc.
Rillito Consulting Group
&
SR 77/ORACLE ROAD MULTIMODAL
CORRIDOR PROFILE STUDY
FINAL REPORT
Prepared for
Arizona Department of Transportation
Prepared by
TransCore ITS, Inc.
and
Morrison-Maierle, Inc.
In Association With
Lima & Associates
The Planning Center
Harris Environmental Group, Inc.
TranSystems Corporation
MMLA
Rillito Consulting Group
May 2007
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. INTRODUCTION 1-1
1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND 1-1
1.2 STUDY PURPOSE 1-1
1.3 STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 1-1
1.3.1 Goals 1-1
1.3.2 Objectives 1-3
1.4 STUDY OUTLINE AND PRODUCTS 1-3
1.5 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS 1-4
1.6 ACKOWLEDGMENTS 1-4
1.7 PROJECT TEAM 1-4
2. STUDIES, CONTACTS AND ISSUES 2-1
2.1 ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DOCUMENTS
AND INFORMATION 2-1
2.1.1 ADOT 5-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program
(FY 2003-2007) Airports and Highways 2-1
2.1.2 ADOT MoveAZ Plan - Phase I Report, August 2002, Cambridge
Systematics 2-1
2.1.3 Arizona State Highway Access Policy and Legislation Study, Lima &
Associates, DMJM-Harris, March 2001 2-4
2.1.4 Final Design Concept Report, Shoulder Widening Tucson-Oracle
Junction Highway (SR 77) River Road to Ina Road, Pima County, Arizona
(Tracs No. 077 PM 072 H 6000 01-L, Project No. S 077-A-201),
Johnson-Brittain & Associates, Revised April 30, 2002 2-4
2.1.5 Final Project Assessment, SR 77, Ina Road to Pusch View Lane,
Project 77 PM 74 H5257 01 C, ADOT Roadway Predesign Section,
April 2000 2-4
2.1.6 Final Project Assessment, SR 77 at Hardy Road, Oro Valley (TRACS
No. 077 PM 076 H 4458 01C), SFC, May 1997 2-5
2.1.7 Location and Design Study for Tangerine Road, Avra Valley to First
Avenue, SBP-483-302 PE, Parsons Brinckerhoff, December 1988 2-5
2.1.8 Tucson-Globe-Holbrook Multimodal Corridor Profile Study Final Report
and Executive Summary, Leigh, Scott, & Cleary, Inc., September 8, 1998 2-5
2.1.9 US 89 Access Control Study, JHK & Associates, May 1991 2-6
2.1.10 Initial Project Assessment, SR 77, Calle Concordia to Tangerine Road,
TRACS No. 077 PM 077 H5459 01L, AZTEC Engineering, March 2003 2-8
2.1.11 Final Project Assessment, SR 77, Junctional Miracle Mile to Ina Road,
Project 77 PM 69 H5256 01C, Roadway Predesign Section, June 2000 2-8
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
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2. STUDIES, CONTACTS AND ISSUES(Continued) 2-1
2.1.12 Final Project Assessment, SR 77, First Avenue-Tangerine Road,
Project 77 PM 79 H4203 01C, Roadway Predesign Section,
December 1996 2-8
2.1.13 Final Project Assessment, SR 77, Biosphere II Conference Center,
Project 77 PN 096 H 3024 01C, RS Engineering, Inc., November 1991 2-8
2.1.14 Final Project Assessment, SR 77, Willow Springs to Oracle, Project
77 PN 95 H3995 01C, ADOT Roadway Predesign Section, June 1995 2-9
2.1.15 Final Project Assessment, SR 77, Junction SR 79 to Oracle, Project 77
PN 92 H493101 01C, ADOT Roadway Predesign Section, January 2001 2-9
2.1.16 Final Project Assessment, SR 77 at Pinto Lane, Catalina, Project 77 PN
87 H4457 01C, Stantech Consulting, June 2, 1997 2-9
2.1.17 ADOT Statewide Plan Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure, ADOT
Intermodal Transportation Division Technology Group, December 2002 2-9
2.1.18 Miscellaneous ADOT Project Assessments 2-10
2.1.19 Oracle Highway (SR 77) Bicycle Safety Shoulders Improvement
Project, Transportation Enhancement Proposal, August 23, 2002 2-10
2.2 PIMA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (PAG) REGIONAL PLANNING
DOCUMENTS 2-10
2.2.1 2030 Regional Transportation Plan, as Amended, Pima Association of
Governments, Adopted June 29, 2005 2-10
2.2.2 PAG ITS Strategic Deployment Plan, Pima Association of Governments,
1996 2-11
2.2.3 PAG ITS Strategic Deployment Plan – Progress Update, Pima Association
of Governments, February 1998 2-11
2.2.4 PAG Regional Plan for Bicycling, Pima Association of Governments,
2000 2-11
2.2.5 PAG Regional Pedestrian Plan, Pima Association of Governments,
July 2000 2-11
2.2.6 PAG, 1995-2000 Regional Transportation System Performance
Assessment, Pima Association of Governments, 2-12
2.2.7 PAG Transportation Improvement Program (2007-2011 TIP), Pima
Association of Governments 2-12
2.2.8 PAG Intermodal Management System Study, Parsons Brinckerhoff,
September 1995 2-12
2.3 CAAG REGIONAL PLANNING DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION 2-13
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
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2. STUDIES, CONTACTS AND ISSUES(Continued) 2-1
2.4 PINAL COUNTY PLANNING DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION 2-13
2.4.1 Pinal County Comprehensive Plan 2001, Pinal County Planning and
Zoning Commission, December 6, 2001 2-13
2.4.2. Pinal County Transportation Plan Final Report, 2000 Update, Lima &
Associates, September 2000 2-14
2.4.3 Southern Pinal County Regional Transportation Plan, Entranco, Inc.,
April 2003 2-14
2.5 TOWN OF ORO VALLEY PLANNING DOCUMENTS AND
INFORMATION 2-15
2.5.1 Focus 2020 Oro Valley General Plan and Transit Amendment, 1996,
Town of Oro Valley 2-15
2.5.2 Transit Development Plan, Fiscal Years 2003-2012, Town of Oro Valley,
November 2002 2-15
2.5.3 Final Location Report, La Cañada Drive Extension, Tangerine Road to
Moore Road, Curtis Lueck & Associates, July 28, 1999 2-15
2.5.4 Implementation of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, Annual Report,
Town of Oro Valley, Department of Public Works, April 2002 2-16
2.5.5 Traffic Impact Study for the Oro Valley Town Center Development,
DMJM Harris, April 2002 2-17
2.5.6 Oro Valley Trails Task Force Report, Oro Valley Trails Task Force,
November 2002 2-18
2.5.7 Traffic Impact Analysis for Rancho Vistoso Neighborhoods 3 and 4,
Kimley-Horn and Associates, May 2000 2-19
2.5.8 Traffic Impact Study Steam Pump Ranch, Stantec Consulting,
February 26, 2001 2-19
2.5.9 Oracle Road Corridor Study, Calle Concordia to Rancho Vistoso
Boulevard, March 3, 2003, Final Draft Report 2-19
2.6 CITY OF TUCSON PLANNING DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION 2-20
2.6.1 Oracle-South Sixth Corridor Study, Parsons Brinckerhoff, September
1991, Executive Summary and Final Report 2-20
2.7 MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION PERTINENT TO THE STUDY
CORRIDOR 2-21
2.7.1 El Tour De Tucson Route Map, 2001 2-21
2.7.2 Oracle Road/Linda Vista Boulevard Traffic Impact Analysis Report,
Revision One, PFS Traffic Engineering, LLC, December 20, 1999 2-21
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
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2. STUDIES, CONTACTS AND ISSUES(Continued) 2-1
2.7.3 Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Traffic Impact Analysis Report,
PFS Traffic Engineering, LLC, February 8, 2002 2-22
2.8 KEY STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS 2-22
2.8.1 Pima Association of Governments 2-22
2.8.2 Pima County 2-23
2.8.3 City of Tucson 2-24
2.8.4 Arizona Department of Transportation, Tucson District 2-25
2.8.5 Town of Oro Valley 2-25
2.8.6 Pinal County 2-27
2.9 KEY ISSUES 2-27
2.9.1 Planned Developments 2-27
2.9.2 Transit Issues 2-28
2.9.3 Bike and Pedestrian Issues 2-28
2.9.4 Access Issues 2-29
3. SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 3-1
3.1 EXISTING AND PROJECTED POPULATION 3-1
3.2 EMPLOYMENT LEVELS 3-1
3.3 TITLE VI AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE CONSIDERATIONS 3-1
4. PHYSICAL AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 4-1
4.1 GENERAL TOPOGRAPHY, VEGETATION, AND CHARACTER OF
THE CORRIDOR 4-1
4.2 WILDLIFE 4-1
4.3 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES AND HABITATS 4-1
4.4 NATIONAL PARKS, MONUMENTS, AND WILDLIFE REFUGES 4-3
4.5 WILD AND SCENIC RIVERS 4-3
4.6 WILDERNESS AREAS 4-5
4.7 UNIQUE WATERS AND SOLE SOURCE AQUIFERS 4-5
4.8 LAKES, RIVERS, CREEKS, AND WETLANDS 4-7
4.9 VISUAL RESOURCES 4-13
4.9.1 Definitions of Scenic Classes 4-13
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
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4. PHYSICAL AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT (Continued) 4-1
4.10 AIR QUALITY ATTAINMENT 4-13
4.10.1 Carbon Monoxide 4-13
4.10.2 Ozone 4-15
4.10.3 Particulate Matter 4-15
4.10.4 Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulfur Dioxide 4-15
4.11 BLM AREAS OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN 4-16
4.12 CULTURAL RESOURCES 4-16
4.12.1 National Register of Historical Places (NRHP) Properties 4-16
4.12.2 Previously Recorded Archaeological Sites Not List on the NRHP 4-16
4.12.3 Cemeteries 4-17
4.13 SECTION 4(f) LANDS 4-17
4.13.1 Public Parks and Recreation Areas 4-17
4.13.2 Public School Facilities 4-18
4.14 NOISE QUALITY 4-18
5. EXISTING TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND CONDITIONS 5-1
5.1 STATE MAINTAINED HIGHWAYS 5-1
5.1.1 Functional Classification 5-1
5.1.2 Roadway Geometrics 5-1
5.1.3 Right-of-Way (ROW) 5-1
5.1.4 Pavement Type and Condition 5-6
5.1.5 Structures 5-6
5.1.6 Drainage 5-6
5.1.7 Terrain 5-14
5.1.8 Posted Speed Limit 5-14
5.1.9 Traffic Data 5-14
5.1.10 Traffic Crash Summary 5-16
5.1.11 SR 77 Access Points and Crashes 5-22
5.2 TRANSIT SYSTEM AND SERVICE 5-23
5.2.1 Sun Tran Transit Service 5-23
5.2.2 Paratransit Services 5-26
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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5. EXISTING TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES, SERVICES AND CONDITIONS 5-1
(Continued)
5.3 INTERMODAL FACILITIES 5-27
5.4 BICYCLE FACILITIES 5-27
5.5 PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES 5-27
5.6. ITS FACILITIES 5-31
5.6.1 Traffic Signal System 5-31
5.6.2 Other Existing ITS Facilities 5-31
5.7 PLANNED AND PROGRAMMED IMPROVEMENTS 5-32
5.7.1 Corridor Roadway Projects 5-32
5.7.2 Alternate Mode and Other Non-Capacity Projects 5-39
6. EXISTING AND PROJECTED NEEDS AND DEFICIENCIES 6-1
6.1 ROADWAY SYSTEM 6-1
6.1.1 Congestion 6-1
6.1.2 Evaluation of Concept Design of Realigned Segment of Fort Lowell
Road/Miracle Mile 6-5
6.1.3 Safety 6-8
6.1.4 Access 6-11
6.1.5 Public Comments on Safety and Access Needs 6-13
6.2 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION 6-13
6.2.1 Transit Workshops 6-13
6.2.2 Technical Advisory Committee Field Review 6-13
6.2.3 Transit Deficiencies Identified in Plans and Studies 6-14
6.3 BICYCLE FACILITIES 6-14
6.3.1 Public Open House Comments on Bicycle Related Improvement Needs 6-16
6.4 PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES 6-16
6.4.1 Open House Comments on Pedestrian Improvements 6-18
6.5 BRIDGES AND DRAINAGE STRUCTURES 6-18
6.6 PAVEMENT 6-19
6.7 AASHTO DESIGN STANDARDS 6-19
6.8 ITS 6-20
6.9 SUMMARY OF CORRIDOR DEFICIENCIES 6-20
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page vii
7. INVESTMENT OPTIONS 7-1
7.1 SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT OPTIONS TO ADDRESS CAPACITY
DEFICIENCIES 7-1
7.1.1 Development of an Alternative High-Capacity Corridor 7-1
7.1.2 Summary of Capacity Improvement Options Along SR 77 7-2
7.1.3 Micro-Simulation Analysis of GSI Alternatives 7-5
7.1.4 Right-of-Way Implications and Costs for Widening SR 77 to Eight Lanes 7-8
7.2 SUMMARY OF INVESTMENT OPTIONS TO ADDRESS NON-CAPACITY
DEFICIENCIES 7-11
7.2.1 Roadway Lighting Investment Options 7-11
7.2.2 Pedestrian Investment Options 7-15
7.2.3 Bicycle Facility Investment Options 7-15
7.2.4 Transit Investment Options 7-18
7.2.5 Bridge and Drainage Structures Investment Options 7-19
7.2.6 ITS Investment Options 7-19
7.2.7 Investment Options to Address AASHTO Design Deficiencies 7-23
7.2.8 Access Control Investment Options 7-23
7.2.9 Other Improvements 7-27
8. OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS 8-1
8.1 FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS 8-1
8.2 RIGHT-OF-WAY OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS 8-1
8.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND CONSTRAINTS 8-6
8.3.1 Terrain 8-6
8.3.2 Sensitive Species and Habitats 8-6
8.3.3 Cultural Resources 8-8
8.3.4 Air and Noise Quality 8-9
8.3.5 Title VI Issues 8-9
8.3.6 Pima County Environmentally Sensitive Roadway Guidelines 8-10
8.3.7 Pusch Ridge Wilderness Area 8-11
8.3.8 Drainage Considerations 8-11
8.3.9 Summary of Environmental Resources Issues 8-13
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page viii
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9. DEFICIENCY PRIORITIZATION AND PROPOSED TRANSPORTATION
PROJECTS 9-1
9.1 PRIORITIZATION OF DEFICIENCIES 9-1
9.2 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS 9-1
9.3 COST ESTIMATES 9-2
10. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 10-1
10.1 FIRST SERIES OF PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES 10-1
10.2 TRANSIT WORKSHOPS 10-1
10.3 TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE FIELD TRIP 10-1
10.4 FINAL SERIES OF PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES 10-11
10.5 COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE TOWN OF ORO VALLEY 10-15
10.6 COMMENTS RECEIVED FROM PINAL COUNTY 10-15
APPENDIX A – Properties Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Within Study Area
APPENDIX B – Previous Archaeological Surveys Within Study Area
APPENDIX C – Map Showing Sensitive Zones as Defined by the Sonoran Desert
Conservation Plan
APPENDIX D – Corridor Crash Characteristics
APPENDIX E – Roadway Lighting Analysis
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page ix
LIST OF EXHIBITS
Page
Exhibit 1-1 SR 77/ORACLE ROAD CORRIDOR STUDY AREA 1-2
Exhibit 2-1 LIST OF STUDY DOCUMENTS 2-2
Exhibit 3-1 CURRENT POPULATION STATISTICS FOR COUNTIES AND
COMMUNITIES IN THE SR 77 CORRIDOR 3-1
Exhibit 3-2 FUTURE POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR COUNTIES AND
COMMUNITIES IN THE SR 77 CORRIDOR 3-2
Exhibit 3-3 LABOR FORCE STATISTICS FOR COUNTIES AND COMMUNITIES
IN THE SR 77 CORRIDOR 3-2
Exhibit 3-4 SR 77 CORRIDOR MINORITY POPULATION EXCEEDING
REGIONAL AVERAGE 3-4
Exhibit 3-5 SR 77 CORRIDOR ELDERLY POPULATION EXCEEDING
REGIONAL AVERAGE 3-5
Exhibit 3-6 SR 77 CORRIDOR DISABLED PERSONS POPULATION EXCEEDING
REGIONAL AVERAGE 3-6
Exhibit 3-7 SR 77 CORRIDOR LOW INCOME POPULATION EXCEEDING
REGIONAL AVERAGE 3-7
Exhibit 3-8 AGE, DISABLED, AND LOW INCOME POPULATION DISTRIBUTION
FOR AREAS WITHIN THE SR 77 CORRIDOR 3-8
Exhibit 3-9 DISTRIBUTION OF MINORITIES BY POPULATION FOR AREAS
WITHIN THE SR 77 CORRIDOR 3-9
Exhibit 3-10 DISTRIBUTION OF MINORITIES BY PERCENTAGE FOR AREAS
WITHIN THE SR 77 CORRIDOR 3-9
Exhibit 4-1 COMMON PLANTS ALONG THE SR 77 CORRIDOR 4-2
Exhibit 4-2 COMMON FAUNA 4-3
Exhibit 4-3 US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE THREATENED AND
ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST FOR PINAL AND PIMA COUNTIES,
ARIZONA 4-4
Exhibit 4-4 ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT SPECIAL STATUS
SPECIES KNOWN TO OCCUR IN THE VICINITY OF THE
CORRIDOR AREA 4-5
Exhibit 4-5 PUSCH RIDGE WILDERNESS AREA 4-6
Exhibit 4-6 DRAINAGE AND RIPARIAN AREAS 4-8
Exhibit 4-7 STREAMS AND WATER FEATURES CONTRIBUTING TO THE UPPER
SANTA CRUZ RIVER WATERSHED IN THE VICINITY OF THE
SR 77 CORRIDOR 4-12
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page x
LIST OF EXHIBITS
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Exhibit 4-8 USDA FOREST SERVICE SCENERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
CLASSES IN SR 77 CORRIDOR 4-14
Exhibit 4-9 PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITHIN THE SR 77 CORRIDOR 4-19
Exhibit 4-10 NOISE ABATEMENT CRITERIA HOURLY A-WEIGHTED SOUND
LEVEL IN DECIBELS (DBA) 4-20
Exhibit 5-1 ROADWAY FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATIONS 5-2
Exhibit 5-2 CROSS SECTION GEOMETRY ON SR 77 5-3
Exhibit 5-3 LOCATION OF CROSS SECTION TYPES ON SR 77 5-4
Exhibit 5-4 TYPICAL RIGHT-OF-WAY WIDTH ALONG SR 77 5-5
Exhibit 5-5 PAVEMENT TYPE ON SR 77 5-7
Exhibit 5-6 PAVEMENT SERVICEABILITY RATING ON SR 77 5-7
Exhibit 5-7 BRIDGE SUFFICIENCY RATINGS 5-8
Exhibit 5-8 EXISTING SR 77 STRUCTURES 5-9
Exhibit 5-9 WATERSHED MAP FOR SR 77 – PINAL COUNTY LINE TO THE
TOWN OF ORACLE 5-10
Exhibit 5-10 SUMMARY OF HYDROLOGIC ANALYSIS (EXISTING CONDITIONS) 5-12
Exhibit 5-11 DISCHARGES FOR WASH CROSSINGS ON SR77 – MIRACLE MILE
TO PINAL COUNTY LINE 5-13
Exhibit 5-12 POSTED SPEED LIMITS ON SR 77 5-15
Exhibit 5-13 YEAR 1992, 2002, AND FORECAST YEAR 2030 DAILY TRAFFIC
VOLUMES 5-17
Exhibit 5-14 SR 77 TRAFFIC VOLUME FACTORS AND TRUCK PERCENTAGES 5-18
Exhibit 5-15 YEAR 2002 LEVELS OF CONGESTION 5-19
Exhibit 5-16 TOTAL CRASH CHARACTERISTICS 5-20
Exhibit 5-17 INTERSECTION CRASH SUMMARY 5-21
Exhibit 5-18 ROAD SEGMENT CRASH SUMMARY 5-21
Exhibit 5-19 EXISTING TRANSIT FACILITIES IN THE CORRIDOR 5-24
Exhibit 5-20 SUN TRAN LEVEL OF SERVICE AND HEADWAYS ON CORRIDOR
AREA ROUTES 5-25
Exhibit 5-21 SR 77 CORRIDOR AREA BIKE COUNTS – YEAR 2001 TOTAL
ENTERING INTERSECTION COUNTS 5-28
Exhibit 5-22 LOCATIONS OF SIDEWALKS ON SR 77 5-29
Exhibit 5-23 SR 77 PEDESTRIAN FACILITY ACCESSIBILITY 5-30
Exhibit 5-24 EXISTING TRAFFIC SIGNALS IN SR 77 CORRIDOR 5-31
Exhibit 5-25 SR 77/ORACLE ROAD PLANNED AND PROGRAMMED PROJECTS 5-33
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page xi
LIST OF EXHIBITS
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Exhibit 5-26 CORRIDOR NORTH/SOUTH ROADWAY ALREADY PLANNED AND
PROGRAMMED PROJECTS 5-34
Exhibit 5-27 CORRIDOR EAST/WEST ROADWAY ALREADY PLANNED AND
PROGRAMMED PROJECTS 5-36
Exhibit 5-28 CORRIDOR ALREADY PLANNED AND PROGRAMMED ALTERNATE
MODE PROJECTS 5-38
Exhibit 5-29 PLANNED AND PROGRAMMED CAPACITY PROJECTS 5-40
Exhibit 5-30 PLANNED AND PROGRAMMED ALTERNATIVE MODE
IMPROVEMENTS 5-41
Exhibit 6-1 SR 77 ROADWAY SEGMENTS WITH HEAVY AND SEVERE
CONGESTION LEVELS 6-1
Exhibit 6-2 CORRIDOR CONGESTION DEFICIENCIES YEAR 2002 6-3
Exhibit 6-3 CORRIDOR CONGESTION DEFICIENCIES YEAR 2030 6-4
Exhibit 6-4 STUDY AREA FOR FORT LOWELL ROAD/MIRACLE MILE
REALIGNMENT 6-6
Exhibit 6-5 FORT LOWELL/MIRACLE MILE REALIGNMENT ALTERNATIVE 6-7
Exhibit 6-6 CORRIDOR SAFETY DEFICIENCIES 6-9
Exhibit 6-7 SEGMENTS FOR POSSIBLE LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS 6-10
Exhibit 6-8 CRITERIA TO IDENTIFY THE LEVEL OF NEED TO CONSOLIDATE
DRIVEWAYS 6-11
Exhibit 6-9 SR 77 SEGMENTS WITHIN LEVELS OF NEED FOR DRIVEWAY
CONSOLIDATION 6-11
Exhibit 6-10 LOCATION OF LEVEL 1 AND LEVEL 2 ACCESS MANAGEMENT
SEGMENTS 6-12
Exhibit 6-11 MATRIX OF EXISTING TRANSIT NEEDS AND DEFICIENCIES
IN CORRIDOR 6-15
Exhibit 6-12 PEDESTRIAN/BIKE ISSUES 6-17
Exhibit 6-13 BRIDGES WITH SUFFICIENCY RATINGS AT OR LESS THAN
80 PERCENT 6-18
Exhibit 6-14 EXISTING AASHTO DESIGN DEFICIENCIES FROM PROJECT
ASSESSMENT REPORTS 6-20
Exhibit 6-15 AASHTO DESIGN DEFICIENCIES 6-21
Exhibit 6-16 ITS DEFICIENCIES 6-22
Exhibit 6-17 DEFICIENCIES BY SEGMENT 6-23
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Final Report Page xii
LIST OF EXHIBITS
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Exhibit 7-1 POTENTIAL HIGH-CAPACITY ALTERNATE CORRIDOR 7-3
Exhibit 7-2 SUMMARY OF ROADWAY CAPACITY IMPROVEMENT
OPTIONS ON SR 77 7-4
Exhibit 7-3 PORTION OF SR 77 CORRIDOR AND SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS
INCLUDED IN THE GSI ANALYSIS 7-6
Exhibit 7-4 EIGHT-LANE URBAN SECTION CONCEPT 7-9
Exhibit 7-5 EIGHT-LANE FRINGE URBAN SECTION CONCEPT 7-10
Exhibit 7-6 SUMMARY OF POTENTIALLY IMPACT PARCELS FOR EIGHT-LANE
WIDENING: AUTO MALL DRIVE TO GOLDER RANCH ROAD 7-13
Exhibit 7-7 SEGMENTS FOR POSSIBLE LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS 7-16
Exhibit 7-8 PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE FACILITY IMPROVEMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS 7-17
Exhibit 7-9 CONSOLIDATION OF WORKSHOP RECOMMENDATIONS
(NORTH HALF OF CORRIDOR) 7-20
Exhibit 7-10 CONSOLIDATION OF WORKSHOP RECOMMENDATIONS
(SOUTH HALF OF CORRIDOR) 7-21
Exhibit 7-11 BRIDGES WITH SUFFICIENCY RATINGS AT OR LESS THAN 80
PERCENT AND WHETHER THEY ARE INCLUDED IN PLANNED
OR PROGRAMMED PROJECTS 7-22
Exhibit 7-12 ITS IMPROVEMENTS 7-24
Exhibit 7-13 EXISTING AASHTO DESIGN DEFICIENCIES FROM PROJECT
ASSESSMENT REPORTS 7-25
Exhibit 7-14 PROPOSED CORRIDOR ACCESS MANAGEMENT CONCEPT
SR 77 – I-10 TO ORACLE 7-26
Exhibit 7-15 LOCATION OF LEVEL 1 AND LEVEL 2 ACCESS MANAGEMENT
SEGMENTS 7-28
Exhibit 8-1 SR 77 ROW CONSTRAINTS TO ROADWAY CAPACITY
IMPROVEMENTS 8-2
Exhibit 8-2 GENERAL OPPORTUNITIES OR CONSTRAINTS FOR ROADWAY
CAPACITY IMPROVEMENTS 8-3
Exhibit 8-3 COMPARISON OF SR 77 SEGMENT EXISTING RIGHT-OF-WAY
WIDTHS TO REQUIREMENTS FOR EIGHT-LANE OR DIAMOND
LANE ALTERNATIVES 8-4
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page xiii
LIST OF EXHIBITS
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Exhibit 8-4 AGFD SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES THAT ARE KNOWN TO OCCUR
IN THE VICINITY OF THE CORRIDOR AREA 8-6
Exhibit 8-5 PYGMY-OWL SURVEY ZONES 8-7
Exhibit 8-6 AREAS WITH POSSIBLE TITLE VI ISSUES 8-10
Exhibit 8-7 PUSCH RIDGE WILDERNESS AREA 8-12
Exhibit 9-1 LIST OF PROPOSED PROJECTS 9-3
Exhibit 9-2 COST ESTIMATES FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS 9-8
Exhibit 9-3 COST COMPARISON OF WIDENING SR 77 TO EIGHT LANES
AND THE USE OF GSIs 9-9
Exhibit 10-1 OVERVIEW OF SURVEY RESPONSES FROM NASH ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL – OPEN HOUSE – MAY 2003 10-2
Exhibit 10-2 OVERVIEW OF SURVEY RESPONSES FROM ORO VALLEY
TOWN HALL – OPEN HOUSE – MAY 2003 10-3
Exhibit 10-3 OVERVIEW OF SURVEY RESPONSES FROM CORONADO SCHOOL
– OPEN HOUSE – MAY 2003 10-5
Exhibit 10-4 ANALYSIS OF FIRST TRANSIT WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT INPUT 10-7
Exhibit 10-5 PUBLIC COMMENTS SUBMITTED AT THE FINAL SERIES OF OPEN
HOUSES 10-12
Exhibit 10-6 PUBLIC COMMENTS RECORDED AT THE FINAL SERIES OF OPEN
HOUSES 10-13
Exhibit 10-7 PUBLIC COMMENTS SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL 10-14
Exhibit 10-8 COMMENTS FROM THE TOWN MANAGER OF THE TOWN OF ORO
VALLEY 10-16
Exhibit 10-9 COMMENTS PROVIDED ON BEHALF OF PINAL COUNTY 10-18
Exhibit 10-10 PINAL COUNTY OPEN SPACE AND TRAILS MASTER PLAN 10-20
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page xiv
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 1-1
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND
In fulfillment of the planning requirements of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency
Act, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) 1994 State Transportation Plan
identified 33 transportation corridors of statewide significance as a focus of multimodal planning
efforts. The corridors of statewide significance are defined as broad geographic areas through
which various modes of travel provide connections for the movement of people, goods, and
services. Each corridor includes one or more state highways and may include other modes of
transportation such as railroads, bus routes, and pipelines.
State Route 77 (SR 77), in Pinal and Pima Counties, serves as a major transportation corridor
linking the Tucson metropolitan core, the suburban community of Oro Valley, sections of
unincorporated Pima County, and Pinal County. The project corridor is between the I-10
interchange at Miracle Mile (milepost 68.10) and the northeast entrance to the Town of Oracle
(milepost 103.32), approximately 35 miles apart. Within the project area, SR 77 is referred to as
Miracle Mile between MP 68.10 and MP 69.56 and Oracle Road between MP 69.56 and the
Pima County border. Except for the segment of Miracle Mile between I-10 and Oracle Road,
SR 77 travels in a north/south direction. The project corridor extends two miles on either side of
SR 77/Oracle Road and encompasses other major north/south arterials including La Cholla
Boulevard, Flowing Wells Road/La Cañada Drive, Stone Avenue, First Avenue, and Campbell
Avenue (up to River Road). At the southern end, the corridor boundaries extend as far south as
Speedway Boulevard, an arterial that is parallel to Miracle Mile. Exhibit 1-1 shows the project
location.
1.2 STUDY PURPOSE
The corridor profile study is intended to provide information for establishing priorities and
identifying additional improvement strategies which should be incorporated into the statewide
multimodal plan. The main purposes of this study are to 1) identify issues in the SR 77 relating
to established performance criteria, 2) aid the selection of priority projects for the state, as scarce
resources are allocated, and 3) assist ADOT in achieving its goal of enhancing the mobility of
people, goods, and services.
1.3 STUDY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Corridor profile studies fulfill many of ADOT’s planning obligations. The following goals and
objectives are designed to assist in meeting these obligations.
1.3.1 Goals
• To resolve major planning issues prior to initiation of project programming and
engineering development plans;
• To identify transportation right-of-way issues and potential right-of-way needs;
• To provide a preliminary identification of potential environmental screening issues;
• To identify potential Title VI issues; and
• To identify candidate projects that can be incorporated into the priority programming
process.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 1-2
Exhibit 1-1
SR 77/ORACLE ROAD CORRIDOR STUDY AREA
PINAL COUNTY
PIMA COUNTY
#
Town of Oracle
#
Catalina
TUCSON
STUDY
AREA
ORO
VALLEY
SR 77
SR 77
SR 79
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 1-3
1.3.2 Objectives
The primary objectives of this study are:
• Analyze, document, and recommend alternative transportation opportunities (including
opportunities for roadway improvements, bus transit, light rail transit, bicycle, and
pedestrian systems).
• Perform an analysis at an appropriate, economic level of detail.
• Coordinate the process with state, regional, local, and private interests.
• Provide the opportunity for public involvement at selected points during the planning
process.
• Analyze and document environmental issues and concerns.
• Perform analyses of transportation alternatives.
• Analyze and document Environmental Justice issues as they may relate to low income and
minority populations.
• Analyze, document, and recommend Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) alternatives.
• Develop guidelines that local government agencies may adopt for land development
opportunities within and near the corridor, and which are compatible with adopted land use
plans.
• Identify likely future development that will affect the travel demand within the corridor.
• Assess the effects of that development.
• Identify, evaluate, and prioritize potential actions to preserve and/or improve the corridor’s
ability to meet the existing and future travel demand.
• Analyze, document, and recommend road and street management actions and investment
opportunities.
1.4 STUDY OUTLINE AND PRODUCTS
The SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study is divided into five phases:
• Inventory and Analysis of Existing and Projected Needs and Deficiencies
• Identification and Analysis of Opportunities for Improvements and Feasible Investment
Options Under Present and Future Scenarios
• Recommended Projects: Cost Estimates, Environmental Screens, Environmental Justice
Considerations and Public Feedback
• Public Involvement Process
• Report Preparation
The study products for this project are the following:
• Working Paper 1: Inventory and Analysis of Existing and Projected Needs and
Deficiencies (June, 2003)
• Working Paper 2: Identification and Analysis of Opportunities for Improvements and
Feasible Investment Options Under Present and Future Scenarios (February, 2004)
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 1-4
• Working Paper 3: Recommended Projects: Cost Estimates, Environmental Screens,
Environmental Justice Considerations and Public Feedback
• Working Paper 4: Draft Final Report
• Final Corridor Profile Report and Executive Summary
1.5 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS
This study includes a public involvement process designed to disseminate information to the
public on project activities, and solicit information from the public on transportation issues and
concerns within the corridor. Public involvement activities included two transit workshops used
to develop corridor transit system alternatives for consideration, and two series of public open
houses to disseminate information to the public and gather feedback from the public on potential
transportation system improvements. The overall public involvement process is described in
Chapter 10 of this report.
1.6 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The project team for the SR 77 Multimodal Corridor Profile Study acknowledges the
participation, contribution, and information received from the following agencies:
• ADOT - Transportation Planning Division • Pima Association of Governments
• ADOT - Tucson District • Pima County
• City of Tucson • Pinal County
• Central Arizona Association of
Governments
��� Town of Oro Valley
1.7 PROJECT TEAM
The following organizations are acknowledged for their participation on the project team.
TransCore ITS, Inc.
Morrison-Maierle, Inc.
Lima & Associates
Rillito Consulting Group
Harris Environmental Group
The Planning Center
MMLA
TranSystems Corporation
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-1
2. STUDIES, CONTACTS AND ISSUES
This chapter provides an overview of all planning activities within the corridor and summarizes a
list of the issues identified by the study. A review of recent studies and plans pertinent to the
SR 77 corridor was conducted as part of this study. A brief description of these studies and plans
is included in this chapter. Information gathering meetings with key agency stakeholders also
took place at the beginning of the study. Issues identified in these meetings are summarized in
this chapter. The documents reviewed for this study have been grouped into the following
categories, and are summarized in Exhibit 2-1:
• Arizona Department of Transportation documents and information
• PAG Regional planning documents and information
• CAAG regional planning documents and information
• Pinal County planning documents and information
• Town of Oro Valley planning documents
• City of Tucson planning documents and information
• Miscellaneous information pertinent to the study corridor
This overview provides a brief description of each document and describes how it is relevant to
the SR 77 study. Where applicable, project recommendations that are within the corridor
boundaries are summarized.
2.1 ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION DOCUMENTS AND
INFORMATION
2.1.1 ADOT 5-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program (FY 2003-2007)
Airports and Highways
This five-year construction program is a budget of what the Arizona Department of
Transportation expects to receive in funds from various sources for the Fiscal Years 2003 to
2007 and how these funds will be allocated to projects. Each year the program is evaluated and
updated through a comprehensive review process. The projects are categorized by type of
project and by county. This report provides an overview of what funded projects are planned to
be conducted on state routes within the project area over the next five years (FY 2003 to 2007).
The projects that are within the SR 77 study area (by category) are documented in Chapter 6 of
this document.
2.1.2 ADOT MoveAZ Plan - Phase I Report, August 2002, Cambridge Systematics
The Move AZ Plan is a statewide long-range transportation plan for Arizona that is currently
under development. The plan consists of three phases, which are described as follows:
• Phase I creates a strategic direction to guide Arizona's transportation investments for the
next 20 years. This process includes developing a broad mission statement and a set of
clear and concise goals and objectives. A report for Phase I has been completed and is
available.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-2
Exhibit 2-1
LIST OF STUDY DOCUMENTS
Arizona Department of Transportation Documents and Information
1. ADOT 5-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program (FY 2003-2007) Airports and
Highways
2. ADOT MoveAZ Plan – Phase I Report, August 2002, Cambridge Systematics
3. Arizona State Highway Access Policy and Legislation Study, Lima & Associates, DMJM-Harris, March 2001
4. Final Design Concept Report, Shoulder Widening Tucson-Oracle Junction Highway (SR77) River
Road to Ina Road, Pima County, Arizona (Tracs No. 077 PM 072 H 6000 01-L, Project No. S 077-A-
201), Johnson-Brittain & Associates, Revised April 30, 2002
5. Final Project Assessment SR 77, Junction I-10 to Oracle Road, ADOT Roadway Predesign Section,
October 2002
6. Scoping Letter SR 77, River Road to First Avenue, Project PM 74 H5257 01C, ADOT Predesign
Program Management Section, June 20, 1996
7. Final Project Assessment, SR 77, Ina Road to Pusch View Lane, ADOT Roadway Predesign Section,
April 2000
8. Final Report Assessment, SR 77 at Hardy Road, Oro Valley, (Tracs No. 077 PM 076 H 4458 01C),
SFC, May 1997
9. Location and Design Study for Tangerine Road, Avra Valley to First Avenue, SBP-483-302PE,
Parsons Brinckerhoff, December 1998.
10. Tucson-Globe-Holbrook Multimodal Corridor Profile Study, Leigh, Scott & Cleary, Inc.,
September 8, 1998
11. US 89 Access Control Study, JHK & Associates, May 1991
12. Initial Project Assessment, SR 77: Calle Concordia to Tangerine Road, Aztec, March 2003
13. Final Project Assessment, SR 77,Junction Miracle Mile – Ina Road, Tucson – Oracle Junction
Highway, June 2000, ADOT
14. Final Project Assessment, SR 77, First Avenue – Tangerine Road, Tucson – Oracle Junction – Globe
Highway, December 1996, ADOT
15. Final Project Assessment, SR 77, Biosphere II Conference Center, Project 77 PN 096 H3024 01 C, RS
Engineering, November 1991
16. Final Project Assessment, SR 77, Willow Springs – Oracle, Tucson – Oracle Highway, ADOT, June
1995
17. Final Project Assessment, SR 77, Junction SR 79 to Oracle, Tucson – Oracle Junction – Globe
Highway, ADOT, January 2001
18. Final Project Assessment, SR 77 at Pinto Lane, Catalina, Tucson – Oracle Junction – Globe Highway,
ADOT, May 1997
19. Arizona Statewide Plan Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure, ADOT, December 2002
20. Miscellaneous ADOT Project Assessments (see list in text)
21. Oracle Highway (SR77) Bicycles Safety Shoulders Improvement Project, Transportation
Enhancement Proposal, August 23, 2002.
22. Arizona Transportation Board Policies, November 7, 2002, ADOT
23. ADOT Map of Suitable Bicycle Routes on the State Highway System, November 1996
24. 1998 ADOT State Highway System Log, Arizona Department of Transportation Data Section
25. ADOT State Highway System K, D, and T Factors, 1998
26. Arizona State Highway System Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) Volumes, 1993 through 1998
27. State Route 77, Oracle Road, Traffic Signal Timing, BRW, September 2002
28. Arizona Transportation Information Systems Map Book, ADOT, July 2002
29. Arizona State Transportation Plan, ADOT, December 1994
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-3
Exhibit 2-1
LIST OF STUDY DOCUMENTS
(Continued)
PAG Regional Planning Documents
1. 2030 Regional Transportation Plan, Pima Association of Governments, Adopted June 29, 2005, and
amended to include the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) projects.
2. Our Mobility – A $2.1 Billion Regional Transportation Plan, PAG Regional Transportation
Authority.
3. PAG Draft Transportation Improvement Program (2007-2011TIP), Pima Association of
Governments
4. PAG ITS Strategic Deployment Plan, Pima Association of Governments, 1996
5. PAG ITS Strategic Deployment Plan Progress Update, Pima Association of Governments, February
1998
6. PAG Regional Plan for Bicycling, Pima Association of Governments, 2000
7. PAG Regional Pedestrian Plan, Pima Association of Governments, July 2000
8. PAG 1995-2000 Regional Transportation System Performance Assessment, Pima Association of
Governments
9. PAG Intermodal Management System Study, Parsons Brinckerhoff, September 1995
Pinal County Planning Document and Information
1. Pinal County Comprehensive Plan 2001, Pinal County Planning and Zoning Commission,
December 6, 2001
2. Pinal County Transportation Plan Final Report, 2000 Update, Lima & Associates, September 2000
3. Southern Pinal County Regional Transportation Plan, Entranco, Inc., April 2003
Town of Oro Valley Planning Documents and Information
1. Focus 2020 Oro Valley General Plan, 1996, (with Transit Services Amendment adopted July 1999)
2. Transit Development Plan, Fiscal Years 2003-2012, Town of Oro Valley, November 2002
3. Final Location Report, La Cañada Drive Extension, Tangerine Road to Moore Road, Curtis Lueck
& Associates, July 28, 1999
4. Implementation of the Pedestrian & Bicycle Plan Annual Report, Town of Oro Valley, April 2002
5. Traffic Impact Study for the Oro Valley Town Center Development, The WLB Group, Inc., April
2002
6 Oro Valley Trails Task Force Report ,Oro Valley Tails Task Force, November 2002
7. Traffic Impact Analysis for Rancho Vistoso Neighborhoods 3 and 4, Kimley-Horn and Associates,
Inc., May 2000
8. Traffic Impact Study Steam Pump Ranch, A Planned Area Development, Stantec Consulting, Inc.,
July 2000
9. Oracle Road Corridor Study, Calle Concordia to Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, Curtis Lueck &
Associates, March 3, 2003
City of Tucson Planning Documents and Information
1. Oracle-South Sixth Corridor Study, Executive Summary and Final Report, Parsons Brinckerhoff,
September 1991
Miscellaneous Information Pertinent to the Study Corridor
1. El Tour De Tucson Route Map, 2001
2. Oracle Road/Linda Vista Boulevard Traffic Impact Analysis Report, Revision One, PFS Traffic
Engineering, LLC, December 20, 1999
3. Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Traffic Impact Analysis Report, PFS Traffic Engineering, LLC,
February 2002
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-4
• Phase II is an ongoing public involvement process. This overlaps the other two phases and
allows Arizona residents and businesses to participate in the creation of the plan.
• Phase III includes detailed technical analyses of transportation system needs; evaluation of
policies, programs, and projects; and the creation of a final Long Range Plan.
This plan relates to the SR 77 corridor profile study because information on the database,
transportation system needs and the long-range plan will be used in the development of long-range
transportation projects for the SR 77 corridor.
2.1.3 Arizona State Highway Access Policy and Legislation Study, Lima & Associates,
DMJM-Harris, March 2001
A primary objective of the study was to develop draft access management policies to provide
overall policy guidance to ADOT for managing access on State highways. Another key
objective was to prepare draft “Model” Access Management legislation that provides the legal
“teeth” of enacting and enforcing access management on State highways. A third objective was
to develop Draft Access Management System and Standards that provide guidelines to planners
and designers for implementing access management techniques. The SR 77 corridor study will
use the policy guidance from this report to recommend improvements related to access within the
corridor.
2.1.4 Final Design Concept Report, Shoulder Widening Tucson-Oracle Junction Highway
(SR 77) River Road to Ina Road, Pima County, Arizona (Tracs No. 077 PM 072 H
6000 01-L, Project No. S 077-A-201), Johnson-Brittain & Associates, Revised
April 30, 2002
The Final Design Concept Report (DCR) for shoulder widening on SR 77 between River Road
and Ina Road was prepared by Johnson-Brittain & Associates in April 2002. The purpose of the
project was to widen the shoulders for bicycle use on each side of SR 77 from River Road to Ina
Road. The project will connect the bike lanes existing along SR 77 north of Ina Road to the
existing bike lanes that run along River Road from Thornydale Road to First Avenue. In
addition to the shoulder widening, northbound and southbound right turn lanes will be added to
the Orange Grove Road intersection. The project is scheduled for construction in fiscal year
2003, using Transportation Enhancement funding and HURF revenues.
2.1.5 Final Project Assessment, SR 77, Ina Road to Pusch View Lane, Project 77 PM 74
H5257 01 C, ADOT Roadway Predesign Section, April 2000
This Project Assessment was prepared to assess a pavement preservation project to mill and
replace AC in driving lanes and place a ½” AR-ACFC for the full width of the roadway. Based
on a field review, the original project limits were revised somewhat to MP 74.84 (just south of
Ina Road) to MP 79.13 (just north of Pusch View Lane), a distance of 4.29 miles. At the time of
the preparation of the PA, the project was not yet programmed, however it was listed in the FY
2000-04 ADOT Five-Year Highway Construction Program under the pavement preservation
section for fiscal year 2002. This Project Assessment is relevant to the SR 77 project because it
provides background information on this area of the corridor.
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Final Report Page 2-5
2.1.6 Final Project Assessment, SR 77 at Hardy Road, Oro Valley (TRACS No. 077 PM
076 H 4458 01C), SFC, May, 1997
This Project Assessment was prepared for an intersection improvement at the SR 77/Hardy Road
intersection in Oro Valley. The project limits begin at MP 76.94 and extend through the
intersection. The project scope was to install a new traffic signal at this intersection and to
construct geometric improvements associated with this signal installation. The signal at this
intersection has since been installed.
2.1.7 Location and Design Study for Tangerine Road, Avra Valley to First Avenue, SBP-
483-302 PE Parsons Brinckerhoff, December 1988
This report, prepared in 1988, examined the physical, environmental, and cost considerations for
construction of a new roadway on the Tangerine Road alignment from Avra Valley Road to
Interstate 10 (I-10), and the improvement of Tangerine Road between I-10 and First Avenue. At
the time of the study, no funds had been programmed for any improvements in the corridor
between Avra Valley Road and First Avenue. The report stated that a two-mile segment of the
corridor, which provides a direct connection from First Avenue to Oracle Road, was being
designed and was scheduled for construction in 1988. This report provides historic traffic data
for Tangerine Road near SR 77.
2.1.8 Tucson-Globe-Holbrook Multimodal Corridor Profile Study Final Report and
Executive Summary, Leigh, Scott & Cleary, Inc., September 8, 1998
This study, completed by Leigh, Scott and Cleary in 1998, provided an analysis of project
priorities for the Tucson-Globe-Holbrook corridor, which was identified by ADOT as one of the
14 high priority transportation corridors in the state. The corridor comprises portions of two
major highways, State Route 77 from Tucson to Holbrook; and US 60 from Globe to Show Low.
Based on an analysis of existing traffic conditions, expected future travel demand, and project
costs, areas along the corridor with capacity or other traffic engineering deficiencies were
identified and a suggested implementation plan developed. The project recommendations that
are located within the SR 77 study area (MP 68.10 to 103.32) are summarized as follows:
Highway Projects for Capacity Deficiencies
• MP 92-103 – Add passing lanes at selected locations to allow traffic to pass slow-moving
vehicles.
• MP 103-109 – Add passing lanes at selected locations where none exist to allow traffic to
pass slow moving vehicles. Some downhill direction passing lanes may also be an option
(i.e., this might be a four-lane cross section.).
• MP 74.8 – Construct an interchange at Ina Road1.
• MP 75.8 – Construct an interchange at Magee Road2 .
• MP 81.8 ��� Construct an interchange at Tangerine Road (this was excerpted from the US 89
Access Control Study Recommendations).
1 US 89 Access Control Study
2 US 89 Access Control Study
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-6
Transportation System Management Strategies
SR 77 – Develop an access control plan for both rural and urban portions of SR 773.
Transit Service Improvements
• Entire SR 77 Corridor – Provide basic and later expanded intercity transit service from
Tucson to Holbrook, one trip each way three times per week.
• Encourage rideshare, carpool, and vanpool programs.
• Initiate and sponsor innovative transit programs such as Share/Care mileage reimbursement
for carpool trips into activity centers.
• Coordinate regional services so transit can be provided to persons whose trips may be
funded through a variety of different funding sources.
• Introduce a marketing program to create an awareness of transportation services that are
offered in the area, and other information about the services.
• Establish a five-year Transit Development Plan and Transit Advisory Committee.
Pedestrian/Bicycle Facilities
• Consider eliminating the rumble strips to permit the use of shoulders as a bicycle facility.
The report did note that these have benefits to highway safety.
Traveler Services
• SR 77 – Construct additional rest areas. In the study area, this would be between
Winkelman and Oro Valley.
• SR 77 – Implement ITS elements such as variable message displays, traffic monitoring,
pavement condition monitoring, travel information kiosks at rest areas, and other
developing technologies.
2.1.9 US 89 Access Control Study, JHK & Associates, May 1991
This study, performed by JHK & Associates (predecessor firm to TransCore) evaluated access
problems along the 16-mile US 89 corridor (from Ina Road to Oracle Junction), and
recommended planning, engineering, and administrative strategies to maintain a high degree of
mobility and safety as the land within the corridor developed. Although much land use
development has occurred in the 12 years since the study was conducted, many of the
recommendations are still relevant to this study. Recommendations from that study that relate to
the SR 77 Corridor Profile study are:
Grade-Separated Intersections
• Future grade-separated intersections may be warranted at the intersections of SR 77 with
Oracle Road, Ina Road, Magee Road and Tangerine Road. The report stated that a GSI was
being considered (at the time of the report preparation) under a separate study for the
Oracle Road/Orange Grove Road intersection.
3 US 89 Access Control Study
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-7
Intersection Spacing, Location, and Access Control
• Recommended use of divided cross section.
• Non-signalized intersections should be no closer than 1,200 feet.
• Signalized intersections should be no closer than one-half mile, preferably one mile apart.
• Driveways and median openings should not be allowed in the functional area of an
intersection (“functional area” defined as containing storage, transition, and maneuver
areas)
Driveways and Curb Cuts
• Direct access to US 89 should be discouraged unless the access is of such a significant
nature as to be considered a collector roadway.
• Current undeveloped parcels that might have legal access to US 89, may be alternatively
served by a frontage road rather than direct access.
Median and Median Openings
• Recommend use of a divided roadway with a median rather than a five-lane cross section,
with the exception of MP 86 to MP 88 (Catalina area).
• Provide spacing of median openings no closer than 1,200 feet and no further than one-mile
intervals.
Frontage Roads
• Provide a frontage road system in the Catalina area.
• Consider the establishment of a collector system using Mainsail Boulevard and Stallion
Lane.
• An alternate to frontage roads in the Catalina area would be the construction of a bypass
route from MP 84 to approximately MP 88 north of the Pima/Pinal County line. The
bypass route would be primarily on Arizona State Land Department property.
Signalized Intersections
Proposed signalized intersection locations are:
• Oracle Road/ Hardy Road (MP 76.8) (This signal has been installed.)
• Oracle Road/ Rancho Vistoso Boulevard (MP 82.8) (This signal has been installed.)
• Oracle Road/ southern terminus of proposed bypass route
• Oracle Road/ Marshall Boulevard (MP 86.5)
• Oracle Road/ Edwin Road (northern terminus of proposed bypass route)
• Oracle Road/ Saddlebrooke Boulevard (MP 88.5) (This signal has been installed.)
• Oracle Road/ approximately MP 89.6
• Junction US 79 /SR 77 (MP 91)
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-8
2.1.10 Initial Project Assessment, SR 77, Calle Concordia to Tangerine Road, TRACS No:
077 PM 077 H5459 01L, AZTEC Engineering, March 2003
This project assessment was prepared for a roadway widening project on SR 77, and was divided
into two segments in order to match into a project being designed and constructed by the Town
of Oro Valley to widen SR 77 to six lanes from Pusch View Lane to La Reserve. Segment 1 is
from Calle Concordia (MP 77.5) to Pusch View Lane (MP 79.2). Segment 2 is from La Reserve
(MP 79.8) to Tangerine Road (MP 82.0). The proposed improvements consist of symmetrically
widening SR 77 from a four-lane roadway to a six-lane roadway. The widened six-lane roadway
will be carried through the intersection of Tangerine Road and will then be tapered down to
match the existing four-lane section. The existing rumble strip will be milled and replaced with
asphaltic concrete (AC) pavement and the entire roadway will be overlaid with asphalt rubber-asphalt
concrete friction course (AR-ACFC). The existing raised median will remain and dual
left-turn bays and dedicated right-turn bays will be added where noted in the traffic report for the
project.
2.1.11 Final Project Assessment, SR 77, Junction Miracle Mile to Ina Road, Project 77 PM
69 H5256 01C, Roadway Predesign Section, June 2000
This project is a pavement preservation project in Pima County, partially within City of Tucson
limits. The project limits are from MP 69.50 to MP 74.84. The project involves the following
elements:
• Mill and replacing the travel lanes and turn lanes with asphaltic concrete (AC).
• Apply a rubber-asphalt concrete friction course (AR-ACFC) (full width).
• Pave the major crossroads to the end of the curb returns.
2.1.12 Final Project Assessment, SR 77, First Avenue-Tangerine Road, Project 77 PM 79
H4203 01C, Roadway Predesign Section, December 1996
This project is a pavement preservation project located on SR 77 from MP 79.2 to MP 82.2,
within the Town of Oro Valley. Key elements of the project scope are:
• Mill and replace asphaltic concrete (AC) full-width, excluding the Cañada Del Oro Bridge.
• Mill and replace additional depth of existing AC in the travel lanes 50 lineal feet prior to
the northbound and southbound bridge approach slabs.
• Place asphalt rubber-asphalt concrete friction course (AR-ACFC) on travel lanes and turn
lanes.
• Place new AR-ACFC overlay on the Cañada Del Oro Bridge.
2.1.13 Final Project Assessment, SR 77, Biosphere II Conference Center, Project 77 PN
096 H 3024 01 C, RS Engineering, Inc., November 1991
This project, located at the SR 77/ Biosphere II Conference Center intersection, was an
intersection improvement project to add turning lanes and acceleration/deceleration lanes at the
intersection. The project begins at MP 96.4 to accommodate the added northbound through lane
and exclusive right-turn lane at the intersection. It ends at MP 96.9 because of the approach
channelization and pavement widening to accommodate both the southbound exclusive left-turn
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-9
lane and the northbound acceleration lane. The project also involved installation of underground
conduit for a future traffic signal installation.
2.1.14 Final Project Assessment, SR 77, Willow Springs to Oracle, Project 77 PN 95 H3995
01C, ADOT Roadway Predesign Section, June 1995
This project, located on SR 77 from MP 95.8 to MP 103.87, is a pavement preservation project,
which is an addition of an asphalt-rubber concrete friction course (ARACFC). In addition to the
pavement preservation project, the project includes build-up shoulders with milled material,
striped the roadway for new left-turn lane from MP 99.3 to MP 100.15. This project is located
within the SR 77 corridor area, and describes roadway and traffic engineering characteristics for
this area.
2.1.15 Final Project Assessment, SR 77, Junction SR 79 to Oracle, Project 77 PN 92
H493101C, ADOT Roadway Predesign Section, January 9, 2001
This project is for the development of northbound passing lanes at various locations within the
project area, which is on SR 77 from MP 91.21 to MP 95.35. The first passing lane location (MP
91.21 to MP 92.13, is just northeast of the SR 79/SR 77 intersection. The second location
extends from MP 94.13 to Willow Springs Road at MP 95.35. This project is relevant because it
is located within the SR 77 corridor area, and describes the justification for these roadway
improvements, as well as roadway and traffic engineering characteristics for this area. The
project involves widening the northbound section at two locations 12 feet on the outside shoulder
to provide for passing lanes. The new cross section consists of two 12-foot travel lanes, a 12-
foot northbound passing lane, and two eight-foot shoulders.
2.1.16 Final Project Assessment, SR 77 at Pinto Lane, Catalina, Project 77 PN 87
H445701C, Stantec Consulting, June 2, 1997
This project is an intersection improvement project at the T-intersection of SR 77 and Pinto Lane
in the Town of Catalina. It is relevant to the SR 77 corridor study because the intersection is
within the project area and it describes roadway and traffic engineering characteristics of the
intersection. This project involved the installation of a traffic signal and the construction of a
northbound right-turn lane on SR 77 and a left-turn lane on Pinto Lane. The project also
involved construction of an embankment spillway approximately 100 meters south of the
intersection, and repair of pavement drainage and installation of vehicle presence loops in Pinto
Lane.
2.1.17 ADOT Statewide Plan Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure, ADOT Intermodal
Transportation Division Technology Group, December 2002
This plan is an update of a 1996 plan and is used to continue prioritization of ITS infrastructure
on state highways. On SR 77 a Road Weather Information System is proposed on SR 77, north
of Tucson.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-10
2.1.18 Miscellaneous ADOT Project Assessments
There were a number of Project Assessments within the study area that were not available from
ADOT, however, a brief description of the work was available. These documents are
summarized in the following table.
Route Location TRACS
No.
Date Description of Work
SR 77, Calle Concordia to
Tangerine Road
H545901C 4/25/02 Widen to six lanes
SR 77 at Pinto Lane HX4601C 12/19/97 Install traffic signal
SR 77, Pinal County to
Oracle Junction
H200801C 10/19/90 R/W Acquisition
SR 77, Junction Old SR 77 H327001C 5/4/93 Intersection Improvement
SR 77, Old SR 77 - San
Manuel Road
H525801C 7/2/99 RR, ARFC
SR 77, Rillito Road -
Oracle Road
H381001C 6/19/95 Remove, replace the EB & WB AC on Miracle
Mile Road to the Junction of Oracle Road and
at all intersections to the end of the curb
returns.
2.1.19 Oracle Highway (SR 77) Bicycle Safety Shoulders Improvement Project,
Transportation Enhancement Proposal, August 23, 2002
This Enhancement Grant application was to construct paved bicycle safety shoulders where
needed on segments of Oracle Highway between the community of Catalina to the community of
Oracle (mileposts 85.8 to 101.0) and to upgrade the conditions of existing paved shoulders to
improve safety for bicyclists. The proposed project was to provide six-foot paved shoulders and
new bicycle safe rumble strips on two miles of SR 77 in the community of Oracle (MP 99.0 to
MP 101.0). In addition, the project would replace 11.1 miles of existing rumble strip and one-inch
pavement lip on Oracle Highway (from MP 87.9 to MP 99.0) with new bicycle-safe rumble
strip and smooth shoulder paving. The project also includes restriping of the roadway for a 2.1-
mile section within Catalina to achieve 5.5-foot paved shoulders (MP 85.8 to 87.9). The project
was not approved for transportation enhancement funding, but it is useful to this project because
it identifies bicycle safety issues on segments of SR 77 between the community of Catalina,
Arizona, to the community of Oracle, Arizona.
2.2 PIMA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (PAG) REGIONAL PLANNING
DOCUMENTS
2.2.1 2030 Regional Transportation Plan, as Amended, Pima Association of Governments,
Adopted June 29, 2005
The Regional Transportation Plan, adopted by PAG in 2005, identifies planned, programmed and
unfunded/planned projects for eastern Pima County. Capacity improvements, non-capacity
improvements, and transit expansions are included in this plan. Many of those projects are
within the project corridor. These projects are summarized in Chapter 9 of this document. The
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-11
amended Regional Transportation Plan includes the projects contained in the 2006 Regional
Transportation Authority (RTA) list of projects.
2.2.2 PAG ITS Strategic Deployment Plan, Pima Association of Governments, 1996
This study provided initial recommendations for ITS implementation in the PAG planning area.
Oracle Road, from Miracle Mile Road to Magee Road, was a recommended route for ITS
coverage in this study, and was recommended as an initial deployment route. The
recommendation was to install an advanced traffic management system (ATMS) along the route.
This system was recommended to include signal interconnection, video based detection systems,
CCTV camera incident management, integration of ADOT and Oro Valley traffic signals into the
City of Tucson central signal control system, and field testing of a transit vehicle pre-emption
system.
2.2.3 PAG ITS Strategic Deployment Plan – Progress Update, Pima Association of
Governments, February 1998
This study summarized accomplishments for the deployment of the recommendations contained
in the 1996 ITS Strategic Deployment Plan. These accomplishments included ADOT bringing
four additional signals on line with the City of Tucson’s traffic control system along Oracle
Road, at Rudasill Road, Orange Grove Road, Ina Road, and Magee Road.
2.2.4 PAG Regional Plan for Bicycling, Pima Association of Governments, 2000
The PAG Regional Plan for Bicycling is policy-oriented and provides AASHTO references for
designing bike facilities. Included, as an attachment to the document is a map of existing,
programmed and planned bikeway facilities. As of November, 2000 programmed bikeways
included:
• Lambert Lane, La Cholla Boulevard to First Avenue – Programmed bike route with striped
shoulder
• Oracle Road, Ina Road to River Road – Programmed bike route with paved shoulder
• Orange Grove Road, Thornydale Road to Oracle Road – Programmed bike route with
striped shoulder
• Ruthrauff Road/Wetmore Road – La Cholla Boulevard to Fairview Avenue – Programmed
bike route with striped shoulder
• River Road, First Avenue to Campbell Avenue – Programmed bike route with striped
shoulder
Planned bikeways include:
• Cañada del Oro – Shared use path
• Oracle Road, River Road to Roger Road – bike route with striped shoulder
2.2.5 PAG Regional Pedestrian Plan, Pima Association of Governments, July 2000
This plan is primarily a policy plan. An attachment to the plan shows pedestrian activity areas,
which include bus routes, parks, schools, and shared use paths. A shared use path is denoted on
SR 77 between Wilds Road and Golder Ranch Road. Shared use paths are also noted on River
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-12
Road, east and west of SR 77 and on Lambert Lane, between La Cañada Drive and First Avenue
in Oro Valley. A short shared-use path segment is also noted on Magee Road, between La
Cañada Drive and Oracle Road.
2.2.6 PAG, 1995-2000 Regional Transportation System Performance Assessment, Pima
Association of Governments
The PAG Regional Transportation System Performance Assessment is a brochure that is
periodically issued by PAG that summarizes selected system performance measures. The
document shows Average Daily Traffic (ADT) on selected highway segments. It is useful to the
SR 77 study to provide background on historical trends.
SR 77 study area segments include Oracle Road, Orange Grove Road to River Road, and River
Road, Oracle Road to Stone Avenue. The document shows ADT growth from 1980 to 2000, in
10-year increments, as shown below:
Year
Oracle Road,
Orange Grove Road to River Road
River Road,
Oracle Road to Stone Avenue
1980 28,000 8,800
1990 53,000 17,100
2000 66,010 38,896
This document also presents a section on intersection performance identifying the 20 busiest
intersections by delay and by traffic volumes.
2.2.7 PAG Transportation Improvement Program (2007-2011 TIP), Pima Association of
Governments
The TIP is a five-year schedule of proposed transportation improvements within the Pima
County, Tucson urbanized area. Highway and transit projects that are federally funded must be
included in the TIP. The TIP also includes regionally significant projects funded from non-federal
sources. Projects identified in the 2007-2011 TIP within the corridor are identified in
Chapter 9 of this document.
2.2.8 PAG Intermodal Management System Study, Parsons Brinckerhoff, September
1995
This study shows the location of intermodal facilities and provides a future plan for intermodal
facilities. Intermodal facilities that are shown within or near the SR 77 corridor include:
• Airports – La Cholla Airpark is located west of La Cañada Drive, and north of Moore
Road, in Tortolita.
• Park-and-Ride Lots – There are three park-and-ride lots located east of Oracle Road within
the study area, one south of Overton Road, and two located between Orange Grove Road
and River Road. There is one-park-and-ride lot located on the west side of Oracle Road,
north of River Road. Other park-and-ride lots located within the corridor are on La Cañada
Drive north of Ina Road, at the Tohono Tadai Transit Center, and one on Grant Road east
of First Avenue, and one on Roger Road between First Avenue and Campbell Avenue.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-13
• Park-and-Ride Lots with bike lockers – one is located west of Oracle Road and south of Ina
Road.
• Truck Terminals – within the SR 77 study area, there are two truck terminals on Grant
Road east of Oracle Road, one truck terminal on the east side of La Cañada Drive north of
Grant Road, and one truck terminal on the west side of SR 77 between Speedway
Boulevard and Grant Road.
• Transit Center – the Tohono Tadai Transit Center is located in northwest Tucson on Stone
Avenue and Wetmore Road. It serves eight Sun Tran bus routes.
• Rail Line Facilities – Rail lines are located east of I-10.
The project recommendations involve strategies for developing funding and implementing
projects. There were no specific projects recommended within the SR 77 corridor.
2.3 CAAG REGIONAL PLANNING DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION
No studies concerning SR 77 within the limits of this study were provided by the Central
Arizona Association of Governments.
2.4 PINAL COUNTY PLANNING DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION
2.4.1 Pinal County Comprehensive Plan 2001, Pinal County Planning and Zoning
Commission, December 6, 2001
The Comprehensive Plan provides a guide for growth and decision by the Pinal County Planning
and Zoning Commission and the county Board of Supervisors concerning the growth and
development. Each of the plan elements contains a series of goals, objectives, and policies used
to guide public decision making. Elements include land use, natural environment, transportation,
water, and area plans. One subarea, Planning Area 4B, includes the part of the SR 77 corridor
that is in Pinal County
The Transportation Element of the plan discusses transportation issues and goals, objectives, and
policies. Transportation objectives which directly affect SR 77 are:
• Encourage limiting of direct access on State Highways and principal arterials to enhance
and protect the capacity and safety of the transportation system and reduce potential traffic
conflicts.
• Encourage the establishment of a scenic corridor designation and development of an
overlay district for the Pinal Pioneer Parkway, SR 77 and 79, to ensure the protection of
scenic views and adjoining vegetation.
Other policies relevant to the corridor include:
• Encourage limiting access to SR 77 and SR 79 to ensure its continuance as a high-speed
transportation corridor.
• Discourage linear or strip commercial developments along SR 77 and 79 frontages to
minimize negative visual impacts and traffic circulation.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-14
2.4.2 Pinal County Transportation Plan Final Report, 2000 Update, Lima & Associates,
September 2000
This study is a long-range transportation plan for roads of regional significance in Pinal County,
including Interstates 8 and 10, state routes, and major county roads. This project is relevant to
the SR 77 corridor study because it contains access management recommendations by roadway
classification, contains roadway classifications and recommends future projects. The study
involved analyzing existing socioeconomic and transportation conditions, developing and
analyzing future conditions to determine deficiencies and developing a program to identify
transportation projects to correct deficiencies. SR 77 and SR 79 are functionally classified as
minor arterials in the existing (Year 1999) conditions section of the plan. Other routes that are in
the project corridor are classified as follows:
• Saddlebrooke Boulevard – minor collector
• Biosphere Road – minor collector
• American Avenue – major collector
The Transportation Plan for Pinal County consists of a Transit Element and a Street Element.
The Transit Element recommends establishment of a task force to develop and maintain
partnerships among human service providers, major employers, and municipalities. The task
force would begin identifying the most appropriate institutional arrangement for the delivery of
transit services. The Street Element includes a future functional classification system and
recommended cross sections for each classification. SR 77 in Pinal County is classified as minor
arterial in the future plan between SR 79 and Winkelman. SR 77 is classified as principal arterial
between the Pinal County southern boundary and SR 79. SR 79 is classified as a principal
arterial its entire length within Pinal County. The plan includes recommended cross sections
associated with each roadway classifications. Access management recommendations are
provided in the report, including driveway spacing, driveway corner clearance, and driveway
location restrictions. The report also presented level of service estimates assuming three future
population levels. There is one future project within the study area, which is to widen SR 79,
from Oracle Junction to SR 287, to four lanes.
2.4.3 Southern Pinal County Regional Transportation Plan, Entranco, Inc., April 2003
This transportation plan was developed for Southern Pinal County, which includes the area south
of Coolidge, Florence and Kelvin, and east of Casa Grande and Chuichu. Most of the land in
this area is undeveloped. The goal of the project was to determine the mitigation measures
necessary to ensure quality transportation as the region develops. The results of the study
determined that nearly 18,000 new homes would likely be constructed in the Pinal County
region, increasing population by nearly 55,000 persons. Adding to this residential development
are more than 13,000 jobs. New development throughout the county could increase traffic by
more than 60 percent over the next 20 years. One improvement was recommended within the
study area, which is to widen SR 77, from SR 79 to Reddington Road from two to four lanes.
Traffic volumes are anticipated to increase from 12,500 vpd to 16,400 vpd.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-15
2.5 TOWN OF ORO VALLEY PLANNING DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION
2.5.1 Focus 2020 Oro Valley General Plan and Transit Amendment, 1996, Town of Oro
Valley
This General Plan is useful to the SR 77 Corridor Study because it describes the goals for the
Circulation and Transportation Element of the General Plan for Oro Valley. The report talks
about the following corridors and projects:
• Oracle Road Corridor – The report discusses grade-separated interchanges (GSIs) at both
Ina Road and Orange Grove Road and that they will present a financial challenge to the
region.
• La Cañada Road Extension from Tangerine Road to Moore Road – This extension is
needed to provide alternative access to the Rancho Vistoso neighborhood so that Oracle
Road and First Avenue are not overwhelmed by the anticipated travel demand.
• First Avenue Corridor – This corridor is projected to be the most heavily traveled roadway
within Oro Valley with the exception of Oracle Road. The report indicated that there were
no funding sources available at the time to pay for needed improvements and that a
combination of development impact fees and state/federal funding may be possible.
• La Cañada Corridor – The report discussed widening La Cañada Drive from Lambert Lane
to Naranja Drive (at the time of this report, design plans were being prepared).
• La Cholla Boulevard and Thornydale Road – Pima County and Marana were seeking
funding to improve these facilities.
• Tangerine Road Corridor – La Cañada Drive to First Avenue is maintained by the Town of
Oro Valley. There were on-going multi-jurisdictional discussions to plan for future
expansion needs so that ADOT would maintain the full length of this state highway.
• Ina Road and Orange Grove Road Corridors – The reports stated that Pima County and
Marana are responsible for maintenance of these corridors and have plans for future
expansion.
2.5.2 Transit Development Plan, Fiscal Years 2003-2012, Town of Oro Valley, November
2002
The Transit Development Plan calls for a balanced transit service consisting of paratransit,
expanded fixed route commuter service on Oracle Road and development of a neighborhood
shuttle service connecting major activity centers within Oro Valley. The Oracle Road expansion
would go north of Rancho Vistoso Boulevard. This plan is relevant to the SR 77 corridor study
because it provides recommendations for future transit service within the corridor study. The
neighborhood circulator route would intersect Oracle Road at Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and
First Avenue and would serve Oracle Road between those streets.
2.5.3 Final Location Report, La Cañada Drive Extension, Tangerine Road to Moore
Road, Curtis Lueck and Associates, July 28, 1999
This study, based on a Transportation Action Plan and a comparative study of reasonable
alternative alignments, provides a recommended final roadway alignment for the extension of La
Cañada Drive from Tangerine Road to Moore Road. This study is relevant to the SR 77 corridor
study because La Cañada Drive is within the corridor study. This extension would provide an
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-16
alternative access to the Rancho Vistoso area in northern Oro Valley. The study recommended
the use of Alternative B2 for the alignment for reasons because:
• It does not have major property impacts on the affected properties except the Alden
property, and the affected property owners indicated that they would accept this alternative
due to the access advantages.
• The alignment is located primarily within the Town of Oro Valley jurisdictional limits.
• The alignment does not have major impacts on natural and riparian areas.
• The alternative has a reasonable planning level cost and good feasibility of cost recovery
with respect to resale of right of way.
• It is one of the least disruptive of the alternatives on existing residences located outside the
Town limits in terms of noise and other traffic related impacts.
• It provides one of the most direct routes between La Cañada Drive and the Rancho Vistoso
Access Road.
2.5.4 Implementation of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, Annual Report, Town of Oro
Valley, Department of Public Works, April 2002
This report provides information as to the implementation status of the Revised Bikeway Plan
that was adopted in April 2001. This document relates to the SR 77 corridor study because it
describes newly implemented bike and pedestrian facilities in the study area and it discusses
planned projects. Completed projects within the study area are:
• Copper Creek Loop: Signs have been installed along Copper Springs Tail, Copper Creek
Trail and Silver Leaf Drive
• Arrowsmith Drive: Signings and striping were completed by the Public Works Department
in the Spring of 2001 giving cyclists a connection for Rancho Vistoso to Woodburne
Avenue.
• Moore Road: Upon completion of the newly paved portion of Moore Road west of
Woodburne Avenue, bike lane striping and signage were installed.
• Woodburne Avenue, north of Moore Road, was signed for bikes with information directing
cyclists to the path leading through Woodshade Park.
• Hidden Springs has been striped and signed for bicycle travel. This is the western
connector from Woodshade Park heading north toward Stone Canyon and the Golf Villas.
• Vistoso Highlands, the northwestern-most bike route in Oro Valley, has been signed and
striped.
• Copper Spring Trail north of Tangerine Road , now signed and soon to be striped for
cyclists, makes the connection between Moore Road and Cooper Creek Loop.
• Proposal for Revised Striping Plan on Del Webb and Sun City: The existing bike facilities
along Del Webb and Sun City were originally striped and signed on one side only.
• General Plan Update: Drafts for both the Circulation Element and the Bicycle/Pedestrian
component have been submitted to the Planning Department for review.
• A Transportation Enhancement Grant proposal was submitted to PAG (Pima Association of
Governments) for a half-mile segment of the proposed shared use path along the CDO
behind Home Depot that had no programmed funding.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-17
• A Feasibility Study was completed on the proposed construction of the shared use path
along the CDO Wash from La Cañada Drive to First Avenue and was presented to various
Town Departments for their review and ownership.
• An Enhanced Pedestrian Safety and Crossing Evaluation Study is being conducted.
• Adopted Bicycle Facility Standards: A uniform standard for bicycle facilities has been
proposed.
• Transportation Enhancement Grant: In July 2002 a grant proposal will be submitted to
PAG for building the 2.7 mile path along the southern bank of the CDO Wash between La
Cañada Drive and First Avenue.
• Pedestrian Safety Projects: The Bicycle Program Coordinator reviewed three specific areas
that are potentially hazardous for pedestrians. First was the intersection north and
southbound on Woodburne Avenue at Moore Road.
Proposed Projects
• With the possibility of annexation of adjacent existing roadways, an inventory of available
bike routes has been conducted and proposed additions have been mapped.
• Proposed roadways that are currently in design for reconstruction will all have an eight-foot
multi-use lane (paved shoulder) available for cyclists. Most will also have a separate
shared use path. Currently in design are Tangerine Road, First Avenue, Lambert Lane, La
Cañada Drive, and Pusch View Lane.
• The seven-mile shared-use path along the CDO Wash and Big Wash. This project will
slowly unfold as funding is available and development occurs adjacent to the washes.
• Proposed is a 12-foot wide paved path for cyclists, skaters and pedestrians with dirt
shoulders suitable for jogging.
2.5.5 Traffic Impact Study for the Oro Valley Town Center Development, DMJM Harris,
April 2002
The Oro Valley Town Center is a proposed commercial/residential development located on the
east side of SR 77, between Pusch View Lane and La Reserve Drive in Oro Valley, Arizona.
The planned development includes retail shopping facilities, a pharmacy/drug store, office space,
restaurants, hotel, bank, convenience store, parking, and residential townhomes. The study
stated that the Town of Oro Valley has plans to establish an improvement district between the
property owners on the east and west sides of Oracle Road to share in the costs of improving
Oracle Road. The improvements tentatively include widening Oracle Road to include widening
to three lanes in each direction from Pusch View Lane to La Reserve Drive. Access to the site
will be obtained by two signalized intersections, one at Pusch View Lane and one at First
Avenue, and via three driveways that allow right-turn in, right-turn out movements. An internal
road system will allow internal movements for both commercial and residential properties
without the need to reenter Oracle Road.
The Oro Valley Town Center development is expected to generate 44,000 trips per weekday.
The relevant recommendations of the study are:
1. Reconstruct Oracle Road to a six-lane roadway with raised median from south leg of
Pusch View Lane through the north leg of La Reserve Drive.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-18
2. Provide a median wide enough on Oracle Road to accommodate dual left-turn lanes from
Pusch View Lane to First Avenue.
3. Construct turn lanes at intersections with the Recommended Minimum Storage Lengths
noted in report.
4. Improve the Pusch View Lane/Oracle Road Intersection to include the following:
• Dual right-turn lanes and dual left-turn lanes and a single through lane on the
eastbound approach to the intersection.
• A right-turn lane and dual left-turn lanes on the northbound approach.
• A left-turn, through, and right-turn lane on the westbound approach.
• Dual left-run lanes and a right-turn lane on the southbound approach.
5. Improve the La Reserve Drive/Oracle Road Intersection to include the following:
• A left-turn lane and a right/through lane on the eastbound approach to the
intersection.
• A left and right-turn lane on the northbound approach.
• Dual left-turn lanes, a through lane, and a right-turn lane on the westbound approach.
• A left and right-turn lane on the southbound approach.
6. Construct Driveways A, B, and C to allow ingress and egress of large and semi type
trucks, with 250 feet long right-turn lanes on Oracle Road are recommended at each
driveway.
2.5.6 Oro Valley Trails Task Force Report, Oro Valley Trails Task Force, November
2002
The Oro Valley Trail System is a network of unpaved trails for the shared use of hikers,
mountain bicyclists, and equestrians to use for recreation and accessing land uses within the
Town of Oro Valley. This report relates to the SR 77 Corridor study because it presents an
overview of trails that are in proximity to the corridor and outlines a plan of future trail
improvements. The report defines trails that are protected, which are trails that are legally
secured. Thirty-six percent of Oro Valley's trails system is protected. An annual action plan was
presented in the report.
There are proposed protected trails that cross the SR 77 corridor at the Cañada del Oro Wash,
Linda Vista Boulevard (#226), Calle Concordia (#A-8). There is an existing protected trail also
on the Cañada del Oro Wash (#2). The Cañada del Oro Wash Trail includes a trail at the wash
bottom, as well as trails along the flood walls west of La Cañada Drive and east of La Cañada
Drive at Cañada del Oro Wash Bridge to Oracle Road. Recommendations for improvements to
this trail included constructing pedestrian bridges to link flood wall sections, creating connectors
to the Town’s bike path system, constructing paved ramps under the First Avenue bridge to link
the flood wall paths, and providing directional signage.
Recommendations for the Linda Vista Boulevard Trail (#226) include providing a means for
equestrians to increase crossing time at the Oracle Road signalized intersection, nominating the
trail to the State Trails System, providing directional signing, securing an easement to create and
east-west link, and constricting trail per trail standard recommendations.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-19
Recommendations for the Calle Concordia Trail (#A-8) include providing a means for
equestrians to increase the crossing time at Oracle Road and Calle Concordia, working with the
Coronado National Forest to construct a parking lot at the end of Calle Concordia and the Forest
Service Boundary, providing directional and information signs, and constructing the trail per trial
design guidelines.
2.5.7 Traffic Impact Analysis for Rancho Vistoso Neighborhoods 3 and 4, Kimley-Horn
and Associates, May, 2000.
This report documents the traffic impact analysis for planned Rancho Vistoso neighborhood
developments in the Town of Oro Valley. Neighborhood 3 is located west of Oracle Road
between Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and Tangerine Road. Neighborhood 4 is located west of
Oracle Road and south of Tangerine Road. At buildout, the development will include a hospital,
regional and community commercial, and Campus Park industrial uses. The results of the study
that affect the SR 77 study area are:
• It is recommended that cross-section recommendations for Oracle Road be reviewed at
such time as an updated regional model becomes available.
• It is recommended that the Extension of Street “C” to Oracle Road be constructed at such
time as traffic volumes in the vicinity of Rancho Vistoso Neighborhoods 3 and 4 warrant
its provision.
• It is recommended that at buildout a channelized slip-right with yield traffic control be
constructed on the eastbound approach of the intersection of Street “A” and Oracle Road.
2.5.8 Traffic Impact Study Steam Pump Ranch, Stantec Consulting, February 26, 2001
The purpose of this report is to analyze traffic impacts of a proposed Planned Area Development
in Oro Valley, Arizona, adjacent to SR 77. The Planned area development will consist of a retail
shopping center and hotel on approximately 42 acres. This project relates to the SR 77 Corridor
study because it lies north of MP 80 on SR 77 between SR 77 and the Cañada Del Oro Wash. It
has approximately 4,100 feet of frontage on SR 77. Approximately 1,200 feet south of the site is
La Reserve Drive. It is anticipated that the development will generate 1,627 trips in the PM peak
hour, and it is planned to have six driveways on SR 77. Three of the drives will be located at the
existing median openings. Three other drives will be restricted to right-turn in, right-turn out
traffic movements only. An internal road system will promote trip interaction within the site.
The analysis found that five years after buildout, the Driveway 6/Rams Field Pass intersection might
warrant a traffic signal. When the signal becomes warranted, the developer/owners will pay 100
percent of the cost of the traffic signal. A continuous southbound right-turn lane will be
provided on SR 77 for all the driveways beginning 175 feet north of Driveway 6.
2.5.9 Oracle Road Corridor Study, Calle Concordia to Rancho Vistoso Boulevard,
March 3, 2003, Final Draft Report
This study provided corridor recommendations for a six-mile long section of SR 77. The study
included the inventory and assessment of current land use and transportation conditions and
approved land development and roadway improvement, updated the Oro Valley Travel Demand
Model and Forecast Future Conditions, and provided recommendations on how to manage
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-20
development in the corridor and program needed improvements. A summary of the
recommendations identified in this final draft report follows:
1. Access management must be maintained throughout the corridor.
2. Ongoing roadway improvements and development projects must provide sufficient
capacity at intersections, median openings, and driveways to accommodate turning
vehicles.
3. Work closely with PAG to aggressively implement improvements to La Cholla
Boulevard as a parallel corridor, to ensure the long-term viability of Oracle Road.
4. Assess the benefit and costs of future GSIs to encourage the use of alternate routes in
more detail to see if their selective use would be beneficial to preserving the Oracle
Corridor.
5. An Oracle Road Oversight Committee should be established to periodically examine
the state of the corridor and monitor its current and future performance. The
committee should include representation from Oro Valley, Pima County, Pinal
County, and ADOT.
6. Require traffic assessments for new land uses in the study section and into southern
Pinal County that examine the impact on corridor operations.
7. Create a coordinating group between northern Pima County agencies and Southern
Pinal County agencies to deal with mutual planning and infrastructure issues in an
open and cooperative manner.
2.6 CITY OF TUCSON PLANNING DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION
2.6.1 Oracle-South Sixth Corridor Study, Parsons Brinckerhoff, September 1991,
Executive Summary and Final Report
This study investigated the feasibility of various busway and light rail transit alternatives for the
Oracle Road - South Sixth Avenue Corridor, which was defined as a one-mile wide corridor
between the Tucson Mall and the Tucson International Airport. In addition, the alternatives
would be tested that would be compatible with busway and light rail transit alternatives that had
been investigated for the Broadway Corridor Study (Phase II). The study analyzed four
alternative concepts, which were:
• Oracle Road and South Sixth Avenue combined for light rail transit
• Oracle Road, South Sixth Avenue, and Broadway Boulevard combined for light rail transit
• Oracle Road and South Sixth Avenue combined for a busway
• Oracle Road, South Sixth Avenue, and Broadway Boulevard combined for a busway
The study also investigated three physical alignments north of downtown to the Tucson Mall,
including Oracle Road, 10th Avenue, and Stone Avenue. Physical alignments in the southern
half of the corridor were also studied.
Conclusions and recommendations from the study included:
• Without a dedicated local funding source for public transit infrastructure, it will be difficult
to develop a stable transit program that will sustain growth.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-21
• A near term transit development program should concentrate on enhancing service in the
three corridors identified in the report by providing different levels of service as well as
more frequent and faster service in peak periods.
• The three corridors identified should be given the highest priority designation as urban
transit development corridors and should be specifically directed at increasing transit
service.
• It is recommended that major transit investment corridors for the Tucson Metropolitan area
use the Oracle Road alignment from Downtown to the Tucson Mall, the South Sixth
Avenue alignment from downtown to the Tucson International Airport, and the Broadway
Corridor Study alignment. Light rail transit, should be the long-range technology or mode
chosen for these corridors.
• The station areas identified in the report should be formally adopted as major transit
activity centers or nodes, and specific development plans and zoning should be adopted
within a one-half mile radius of the identified intersection. Actions to enhance the nodes
were provided. The nodes in SR 77 study area were:
1. Tucson Mall
2. Oracle Road/Roger Road
3. Oracle Road/Prince Road
4. Oracle Road/Fort Lowell Road
5. Oracle Road/Grant Road
6. Oracle Road/Speedway Boulevard
2.7 MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION PERTINENT TO THE STUDY
CORRIDOR
2.7.1 El Tour De Tucson Route Map, 2001
El Tour De Tucson is an annual bicycle race attracting thousands of bicyclists to ride the route,
which encircles Tucson. SR 77, between Ina Road and Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, has been
used as part of the bike route for this bike race held each November. Although the race is held
only once a year, it underscores the importance of bicycle considerations on the corridor.
2.7.2 Oracle Road/Linda Vista Boulevard Traffic Impact Analysis Report, Revision One,
PFS Traffic Engineering, LLC, December 20, 1999
This traffic impact study assessed a 14.38 acre site, owned by the Miller Family Trust located on
the west side of Oracle Road, from Linda Vista Boulevard to Desert Sky Road with offices, a
restaurant, and a drive-in bank. Notations in the report indicated that the bank use might change
to a brokerage, which would affect the recommendations noted below. The property has
approximately 1,300 feet of frontage along Oracle Road, and three new driveways are proposed
to connect Oracle Road. Additionally, three new driveways are proposed to connect to Desert
Sky Road and to Linda Vista Boulevard. The initial results of the report indicated that a third
lane south bound was need along SR 77 from Desert Sky Road to Linda Vista Boulevard, to be
used, initially as a right-turn lane. Along the property fronting Linda Vista Boulevard, it was
recommended that the property owner should dedicate additional right-of-way and widen Linda
Vista Boulevard to four lanes between Oracle Road and their site driveway. These off -site
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-22
improvements will require modifications of the traffic signal installation at Oracle Road/Linda
Vista Boulevard. It was also recommended that the existing phasing of the traffic signal be
altered so that eastbound and westbound Linda Vista Boulevard is served by the same phase. At
Oracle Road and Desert Sky Road, consideration should be given to prohibiting the eastbound
left-turn.
2.7.3 Pusch Ridge Christian Academy Traffic Impact Analysis Report, PFS Traffic
Engineering, LLC, February 8, 2002
The Pusch Ridge Christian Academy is located on the east side of Oracle Road from Calle
Concordia to Linda Vista Boulevard. The academy currently has 325 students, however the
master plan anticipates growing through five phases to reach an enrollment of 1,200 students by
about 2010. The property currently as three accesses: one is south (via easement) across the
parking field of the Canyon del Oro Baptist Church to Calle Concordia. The second is a
driveway connection directly to Oracle Road about 0.2 miles north of Calle Concordia. This
main entrance (Academy Driveway) provides for right turn in and out of the site. There is no
median opening. The third access is a driveway connection to Linda Vista Boulevard some 480
feet east of Oracle Road’s east right-of-way line. Access to this driveway is seldom used and is
controlled by a padlocked gate. The results of the study indicated that the planned widening of
Oracle Road north of Calle Concordia would bring significant benefits to the users of this
corridor. Both legs of Linda Vista Boulevard should be widened to provide three approach lanes
(left/through/right). Consideration should be given to modifying the existing signal phasing so
that east-west through movements occur on the same phase which is then followed by an east-west
lagging left-turn phase. The amount of traffic contributed by the academy to the east leg of
Linda Vista Boulevard is relatively small. Conversely, if the northeast corner is not developed,
no improvement to this leg of Linda Vista Boulevard would be required.
At Oracle Road and Calle Concordia, the approaches of both legs of Calle Concordia should be
widened to three lanes. On the west leg, separate left/through/right lanes would be designated.
On the east leg, left/through/right lanes may be initially designated, but the potential ultimate
designation would be for double left-turn lanes and one through-right turn lane. Since the
volumes were dependent on the academy’s trip generation rates, it was recommended that the
rates be reexamined when the enrollment reaches 700 students, because the east leg of Calle
Concordia need not be improved before then. If trip generation rates have not been reduced, a
third lane should be added. If trip generation rates have been reduced, timing of the foregoing
improvements can be delayed until warranted.
2.8 KEY STAKEHOLDER MEETINGS
Information gathering meetings with personnel from key agency stakeholders along the corridor
were conducted early during the study process. Information from each meeting is documented in
this section.
2.8.1 Pima Association of Governments
The following summarizes major comments from Pima Association of Governments
representatives:
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-23
• The Miracle Mile to Fort Lowell Road connection and GSI analyses are to be conducted to
determine if these are reasonable projects for the future.
• PAG has peripheral information on developments in Pinal County and wants this study to
document all known future developments there.
• Multimodal issues are very important.
• A future transit route, including a major transit facility at Tangerine Road/Oracle Road, to
provide transit service from Oro Valley to Raytheon (Bus Rapid Transit or light rail) may
be considered. Transit service would probably use SR 77 to Stone Avenue to the Tohono
Tadai Transit Center and then provide service to Raytheon.
• There are many demands for and limitations on bicycle and pedestrian facilities on Oracle
Road.
• Demographic issues regarding transit and bicycle usage should be included in the study.
• Addition of bike lanes to parallel collector streets is important.
• PAG has daily boarding maps for top 200 bus stops. Several of them occur on Oracle
Road.
• The effects of the future connection of La Cholla Boulevard to I-10 will impact circulation
on SR 77. A concern was raised about diversion of traffic from Oracle Road to La Cholla
Boulevard if La Cholla Boulevard is improved to six lanes.
• La Cañada Drive will possibly be improved to four lanes.
• A future alignment extending La Cholla Boulevard to Oracle Junction should be explored.
• There was a discussion about alternative transit modes including light rail on Oracle Road.
PAG is doing a high-capacity corridor study as part of a regional transit study. Comments
from PAG’s recent public participation effort as part of the RTP indicated that there is a
desire for freeways and light rail.
2.8.2 Pima County
The following summarizes major comments from Pima County representatives:
• There are many Pima County projects in the corridor. La Cholla Boulevard is a key
corridor. Other important corridors include Wetmore Road/Ruthrauff Road and La Cañada
Drive.
• There is concern about what the function of SR 77 will be. PAG’s 20-year forecast for
Oracle Road is 80,000-90,000 vehicles per day.
• The Ina Road/Oracle Road intersection is severely congested. Westbound traffic backs up
almost a mile during peak periods.
• GSI analysis will be done on three high volume intersections (to be selected).
• There was discussion on widening Orange Grove Road.
• The Pima County Traffic Engineer indicated support for the idea of the Fort
Lowell/Miracle Mile connection.
• First Avenue should be studied as a north-south “relief valve” up to Ina Road.
• The shoulder-widening project on SR 77 from River Road to Ina Road goes to construction
soon.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-24
• There are several Transportation Enhancement projects to improve bicycle and pedestrian
facilities. There is a proposed TE project from Roger Road to River Road.
• There are many access and pedestrian crossing safety concerns at the intersection of River
Road/Oracle Road.
• ADOT does not have a statewide pedestrian policy. Draft policies are being developed.
• There is no regional north-south or east/west bike route. Oracle Road is the sensible north-south
route as indicated by the Tucson/Pima County bike community.
• There are 43 bus stops north of River Road. Most do not have ADOT permits and are not
ADA compliant.
2.8.3 City of Tucson
The following summarizes major comments from City of Tucson representatives:
• Access issues are very important along Oracle Road.
• A new Home Depot is planned to be constructed on the east side of Oracle Road between
Limberlost Road and Wetmore Road.
• Oracle Road is on 120-second cycle.
• The traffic signal at the Oracle Road/Auto Mall intersection is being revised to provide
eight-phase control.
• Transit issues are very important in the corridor. Several jurisdictions are responsible for
bus transit in the corridor.
• The Oracle Road/Drachman Street and Speedway Boulevard/Stone Avenue signalized
intersections will be redesigned for the future Stone Avenue project. Dual left-turn lanes
were proposed at Speedway Boulevard/Main Avenue to encourage traffic to continue south
on Oracle Road/Main Avenue to Speedway Boulevard.
• A bus stop program was begun within the City of Tucson.
• Amphitheater School District school buses stop traffic on Oracle Road.
• There have been public comments regarding provision of bike facilities on Oracle Road.
There are concerns with trucks and roadway width.
• The City of Tucson is concerned with driveway and other access locations on SR 77.
• A diamond lane was suggested to improve transit, bicycle and access facilities.
• The provision of dual eastbound left-turn lanes at Flowing Wells Road/Miracle Mile should
be studied.
• Non-standard median area street lighting on Miracle Mile should be relocated to standard
location.
• There may be a possible consideration of making a Florida T configuration at Oracle
Road/Miracle Mile/Fort Lowell Road, although there are problems with access with a
Florida T.
• The City of Tucson has developed access management policies.
• Several pedestrian issues were discussed including discontinuity on Miracle Mile, pelican
vs. hawk signals and quarter mile crossings. There are legal issues addressed regarding
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-25
unmarked crosswalks. Quarter mile pelican crossings were suggested. More frequent
pelican crossings would cause congestion.
• An alternatives analysis is being conducted for transit on Oracle Road.
2.8.4 Arizona Department of Transportation, Tucson District
The following issues were discussed at a meeting with ADOT Tucson District representatives:
• Bus stops on SR 77 from River Road to Ina Road are not currently permitted and many are
not ADA-compliant. ADOT is working with Sun Tran and the Department of Public
Safety to improve these conditions. The SR 77, River Road to Ina Road shoulder widening
project should mitigate many of these problems.
• There is an enhancement project for sidewalks on Miracle Mile between I-10 and Oracle
Road. Sidewalks will be constructed/improved on both sides of Miracle Mile.
• There is another sidewalk project on Oracle Road from Miracle Mile to Prince Road. West
side sidewalk improvements including relocating lighting poles and the traffic signal pole
at Fort Lowell Road/Oracle Road for ADA compliance.
• The slip ramp on the southwest corner of Miracle Mile/Oracle Road will be removed and a
right-turn lane will be put in. This project is based on a proposal from the City of Tucson.
• Some driveways on Miracle Mile will be removed as part of the sidewalk project.
• In the Oracle Road section within the City of Tucson, the City issues all driveway permits
for ADOT and they are supposed to fulfill ADOT standards for access. Since the
Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) in 1982, no permits have been provided to ADOT.
• There is a development plan at Limberlost Road/Oracle Road for a new Home Depot.
• It seems that the City of Tucson and the County wants to put traffic on SR 77 rather than
onto adjoining cross streets. An example of this is that there is no left-turn arrow for
north/south turns at Oracle Road and Limberlost Road because the neighbors want to
minimize intrusion onto Limberlost Road. Pima County also denied access onto Chula
Vista Road (south of Ina Road) from a new development, so traffic will access the
development from two driveways on SR 77. This should not be the responsibility of
ADOT to accommodate traffic from Pima County developments.
• There is a provision in the IGA with the County and City that allows ADOT to remove the
permit authority with 30 days notice if rules are not followed regarding access
requirements.
• ADOT indicated that the project should consider monorail as an alternative.
• Several traffic impact studies have been conducted for developments within the project
corridor.
2.8.5 Town of Oro Valley
The following issues were discussed at a meeting with Town of Oro Valley representatives.
• There is a box culvert underneath Oracle Road that is too small. It is located at
approximately just south of Pusch View Lane and Oracle Road. Drainage on the east side
of the road is affected.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-26
• The land use of the Willow Springs project up on SR 79 toward Florence could have a big
impact on Oracle Road. The development is planned to include 15,000 homes plus
businesses.
• The traffic being generated from the Oracle area has increased.
• The traffic coming into Catalina from the north is greatly increased. One of the reasons is
because the San Manuel mine closed, and residents are commuting south to work.
• Blackhorse Run, off of Golder Ranch Road, is under construction with 540 new homes.
• Another Pima County development is proposed in north of Catalina with 500 homes.
• Eagle Crest, which is in Pinal County, is developing rapidly and 500 or more homes are
anticipated to be built.
• Phase II of Saddlebrooke is preparing to build a development of 800 homes.
• It is anticipated that six years from now there will be approximately 3,000 new homes in
the Catalina area.
• A Basha’s grocery store is under development in Catalina just north of Golder Ranch Road
on the east side of SR 77. They are negotiating with ADOT for a driveway access permit.
Once they have the permit they will start construction. There will be small shopping
complex with Basha’s as an anchor, along with a fast food restaurant.
• Wildlife corridors are needed. Pima County has a preserve initiative which would create a
connection between the Tortolita Mountains and the Catalina Mountains. There is no
designated area where that connection will be, or funding for the connection. The
timetable for the initiative for the western portion is being considered by the State Land
Department. The eastern portion is on hold by Pima County.
• The first meeting for the Tangerine Road expansion from Oracle Road to First Avenue is
coming up in the near future. A hospital is being built at Tangerine Road and Oracle Road.
The construction starts early summer 2003. To the south major retail development at
Neighborhood 4. That connection is what will be in the design.
• The Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Department’s interest is how people are going to
travel from the west side of Oracle Road to the east side to trail connections off of Oracle
Road.
• Trail corridors are advisable to connect trails from the Canada del Oro Wash to Catalina
State Park.
• Equestrian activated crossing buttons are desired at Oracle Road and Linda Vista.
• Sun Tran buses back up traffic at every light at 8:00 AM, which doesn’t help capacity. It’s
a big problem. From Ina Road there is no place for the bus to pullover. Just north there are
wide shoulders so they can pull over.
• The Town of Oro Valley would like to promote the use of Park-and-Ride lots. Park-and-
Ride facilities could share parking lots with movie theaters, etc. The Home Depot location
north of First Avenue and Oracle Road could be a potential Park and Ride location.
• Sidewalks are on private property. It would be preferable to have a 10- to 12-foot multiuse
lane along Oracle Road. A separate bike/ped facility would also be advisable, however the
available right-of-way has topographical restraints.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-27
2.8.6 Pinal County
Issues raised at the meeting with Pinal County representatives were:
• Willow Springs, which is north of State Route 77/79, is a 4,000 acre development with
20,000 planned homes. This development is planned to open in two years. It is unclear
what the access will be to State Route 77.
• Saddlebrooke Ranch is a new development planned to be built.
• Eagle Crest, which is next to Saddlebrooke, is another development that is planned to be
built.
• La Osa development is a 14,000 acre development.
• There is a planned development in the Red Rock area near Park Link Drive and I-10.
• The Arizona Bicycle Club uses SR 77 frequently.
• Copper Hills development is under construction.
2.9 KEY ISSUES
Many issues were raised during the key stakeholder meetings, however, three major issues were
identified for the SR 77 Corridor that need to be addressed in detail in this corridor profile
analysis study. They include the impact of new developments on the corridor, transit availability
and expansion on SR 77, and bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements within the corridor.
Access conditions and policies in the corridor were also a general concern and are discussed in
this section.
2.9.1 Planned Developments
Meeting attendees were generally concerned about the impact new business and residential
developments will have on the existing condition of the corridor. While capacity projects have
been identified in PAG, ADOT and Pinal County five-year and long-range plans, the general
consensus was that even with the implementation of these projects, there is concern that the
resultant roadway network may have insufficient capacity to handle the projected travel demand
in the corridor.
Within the southern region of the project corridor, new businesses, such as the recent Lowe’s and
the planned Home Depot stores, both in the vicinity of SR 77 and Limberlost Road, were
identified as access concerns. The City of Tucson is working with neighborhoods in the vicinity
of these two businesses to reduce the impact of anticipated traffic associated with the businesses
on the local street system. ADOT staff has indicated that this would only create additional
burden on SR 77 as traffic would be encouraged to avoid the local streets and to access the
businesses from Oracle Road.
Many new residential and mixed-used developments are planned or being implemented in Oro
Valley. Major developments in this vicinity are the Rooney Ranch and Rooney Ranch South
mixed use developments, the Steam Pump Village mixed use development, Kelly Ranch, Rancho
Vistoso Commercial, and Rancho Vistoso Technology Park. In addition, Black Horse Ranch is a
large residential development planned in Catalina.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-28
North of the Pima County line into Pinal County, there are four major developments that are
predicted to impact capacity on SR 77. Eagle Crest Ranch is a primarily residential community
with over 900 dwelling units planned along with a major grocery store and a new school.
Saddlebrooke is an existing age-restricted community north of the Pima County line, just east of
SR 77, which is being expanded to include an additional 769 dwelling units. Saddlebrooke
Ranch is a new community planned north of the SR 77/SR 79 junction, with over 6000 dwelling
units and 150 acres of commercial, industrial and resort uses.
The Willow Springs community is being developed north of the SR 77/SR 79 junction. This
master planned community will have over 8,500 dwelling units on 4600 acres, and 3,500
commercial and industrial employees are envisioned for the businesses at Willow Springs.
Stakeholder meeting attendees were concerned about the impact the Pinal County developments
would have on SR 77 in Pima County. Although primary access to the State Highway system
will be to SR 79 from Willow Springs, southbound traffic will merge onto SR 77 at the SR
77/SR 79 junction.
2.9.2 Transit Issues
The Transit Element of the 2030 PAG Regional Transportation Plan (The PAG Transit Study)
was underway at the same time as this corridor study. The PAG Transit Study is a
comprehensive examination of potential public transportation improvements through the year
2030. The results of this study were incorporated into the PAG 2030 Regional Transportation
Plan as amended.
Many of the public agencies stakeholders identified transit service availability as an important
issue in the corridor. PAG staff indicated that the investigation of future transit services and
facilities along the corridor was a primary consideration in developing the scope of work for this
corridor study with ADOT. Transit alternatives to fixed route service were discussed, such as
express bus and light rail. The possibility of providing an exclusive bus lane/right-turn lane
along Oracle Road was also discussed.
An important issue raised at the meetings is the provision of a future transit route that would
serve Raytheon workers living in Oro Valley. According to PAG, there are over 900 Raytheon
employees living in Oro Valley. Residents in Catalina have also expressed interest in extending
transit service farther north than its current availability.
Regional transit commuters today have no direct express transit service to downtown Tucson
from Oro Valley. Riders must now transfer at the Tohono Tadai which adds several minutes to
the commute. Northbound routes (Sun Tran Routes #16 and #62) must detour from Oracle Road
at Wetmore to serve the Tohono Tadai Transit Center.
2.9.3 Bike and Pedestrian Issues
Bicycle and pedestrian facilities were discussed at each of the agency stakeholder meetings.
Within the City of Tucson, sidewalks (or the lack of sidewalks) were discussed as were existing
bicycle facilities on SR 77. ADOT rates SR 77 as having a “more suitable” designation for
bicycle facilities, indicating that the current condition of bike facilities is acceptable with wide
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 2-29
enough shoulders, and feasibility for shoulder widening where there are not wide enough
shoulders. The segment of SR 77 between Roger Road and River Road still lacks a wide
shoulder for bicyclists to ride on comfortably, however. A shoulder widening project is currently
in process on SR 77 between River Road and Ina Road which will widen the shoulders by seven
feet in both northbound and southbound directions.
2.9.4 Access Issues
The SR 77 corridor exhibits practically every type and degree of access issue due to the varying
roadway cross sections and different types of development through the length of the study area.
Access issues include the growing traffic, need to control direct access to many driveways, left-turn
vehicle conflicts, need for separation of turning movements, cross traffic conflicts, conflicts
due to decelerating vehicles, and pedestrian/vehicle conflicts. Pedestrian facilities along the
corridor vary from non-existent to narrow, often discontinuous sidewalks. Opportunities for
pedestrians crossing the roadway are very limited. Also, sections with limited access
management exhibit vehicle/pedestrian conflicts. The existing roadways have very limited
opportunities to accommodate transit stops along the corridor.
Access issues were identified as being very important by the participants in the key stakeholder
meetings. Although not identified specifically as “access issues”, concerns related to pedestrian,
bicyclist and transit user activities, new development plans and roadway construction and
improvement projects influence the flow of traffic in the corridor, including the ability of users to
access the corridor.
The development of access strategies along the corridor must be guided by clear access goals,
concepts, and principles. As part of this study, and to respond to the concerns regarding access
issues in the corridor from the key stakeholder meetings and the other public participation
activities associated with this project, a corridor access management master plan will be
developed to define the access concepts and principles for the varying cross sections along the
corridor for existing and future land use.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 3-1
3. SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
This chapter presents the socioeconomic environment along the SR 77 corridor. Included are
discussions on the population and employment characteristics and projections, and Title VI and
Environmental Justice Considerations.
3.1 EXISTING AND PROJECTED POPULATION
The land within the corridor is divided between rural in the northeastern portion of the corridor
and urban in the southern portion, within the urbanized areas of Tucson, Oro Valley, and
Catalina. Exhibit 3-1 shows the current population of the counties and communities. The year
2002 total population in the two counties is approximately 1.06 million persons.
Exhibit 3-1
CURRENT POPULATION STATISTICS FOR COUNTIES
AND COMMUNITIES IN THE SR 77 CORRIDOR
Population
Annual
Growth Rate
Geographic Area 1990 2002 1990-2002
Pinal County 116,379 190,140 4.3%
Pima County 666,880 890,545 2.4%
Oracle 3,043 3,814 1.9%
Catalina 4,864 7,414 3.6%
Oro Valley 6,670 34,050 14.6%
Tucson 405,390 507,085 1.9%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau and Arizona Department of Economic Security, Population
Statistics Unit
Pinal County and Pima County are expected to be among the fastest growing counties in the
nation. Exhibit 3-2 shows the Arizona Department of Economic Security population forecasts
for select years through the year 2030. Projections for the community of Catalina were not
available. The two counties are forecast to have a total population of over 1.6 million persons,
an increase of 47 percent over year 2002 estimates. Oracle and Oro Valley are projected to have
high growth rates through the year 2030.
3.2 EMPLOYMENT LEVELS
Exhibit 3-3 presents labor force data for the major communities. Unemployment rates have
ranged from 1.6 percent to 6.5 percent within the corridor counties and communities within the
last 10 years.
3.2 TITLE VI AND ENVIORNMENTAL JUSTICE CONSIDERATIONS
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes assure that individuals are not
excluded from participation in, denied the benefit of, or subjected to discrimination on the basis
of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. Executive Order 12898 on Environmental
Justice directs that programs, policies, and activities not have a disproportionately high and
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 3-2
Exhibit 3-2
FUTURE POPULATION PROJECTIONS FOR COUNTIES
AND COMMUNITIES IN THE SR 77 CORRIDOR
Population Increase
Geographic
Area 2002 2005 2015 2030 2002-2030 Annual
Pinal County 190,140 246,660 486,363 852,463 348.3% 5.5%
Pima County 890,545 957,635 1,175,967 1,442,420 65.7% 1.7%
Oracle 3,814 5,687 7,048 8,596 125.4% 2.9%
Catalina 7,414 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Oro Valley 34,050 39,400 51,228 68,914 102.4% 2.6%
Tucson 507,085 529,770 565,736 631,889 24.6% 0.2%
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau and Arizona Department of Economic Security, Population Statistics Unit
Exhibit 3-3
LABOR FORCE STATISTICS FOR COUNTIES AND
COMMUNITIES IN THE SR 77 CORRIDOR
1993 2001
Geographic
Area
Civilian
Labor
Force
Total
Employed
Unemploy-ment
Rate
Civilian
Labor
Force
Total
Employed
Unemploy-ment
Rate
Pinal County 45,054 42,141 6.5% 72,188 68,801 4.7%
Pima County 328,939 315,636 4.0% 415,242 400,683 3.5%
Oracle 1,209 1,185 2.0% 1,665 1,639 1.6%
Catalina* 1,430 1,335 6.6% 2,454 2,370 3.4%
Oro Valley 3,322 3,232 2.7% 3,973 3,881 2.3%
Tucson 204,697 195,548 4.5% 244,151 234,825 3.8%
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau and Arizona Department of Economic Security, Population Statistics Unit.
*Catalina data available for Year 1991 and Year 2001
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 3-3
adverse human health and environmental effect on minority and low-income populations.
Alternative transportation improvements should not adversely impact such groups
disproportionately. Moreover, an array of alternatives should be developed which provide
transportation service to all groups.
ADOT has issued the document, Guidance on Title VI and Environmental Justice, to provide
information on ensuring that Title VI and Environmental Justice factors are considered in project
development, Environmental Assessments, and Environmental Impact Statements. Although the
document is for projects in the development and environmental stages, the general approach
outlined in the document is used here to identify related issues for potential projects analyzed in
the planning process.
Demographic data from the 2000 Census was used to screen the populations of each jurisdiction
within the SR 77 corridor and identify those areas with high minority, low income, disabled and
elderly (over the age of 65) populations. Data indicating which portions of the corridor study
area aggregated by census block groups exceed the PAG region averages for each category are
graphically presented in Exhibits 3-4 through 3-7.
Many communities within the SR 77 corridor have high populations of minorities living below
the average regional low-income level. Furthermore, many of these areas have high populations
of elderly persons. Therefore, Title VI and Environmental Justice factors need to be considered
for transportation projects within the corridor.
Data on the number and percentage of elderly, disabled and low income persons are presented in
Exhibit 3-8. Persons over the age of 65 were considered elderly. Data on the number and
percentage of minorities in the corridor area are presented in Exhibits 3-9 and 3-10.
Transportation improvement options, presented later in this document, and recommendations
were screened for the possibility of disproportionately affecting minority, disabled, elderly
and/or low-income populations. This is discussed in the evaluation of environmental issues and
constraints for the recommended projects.
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 3-4
Exhibit 3-4
SR 77 CORRIDOR MINORITY POPULATION
EXCEEDING REGIONAL AVERAGE
Tangerine Rd
Naranja Rd
Lambert Ln
Overto n Rd
Linda Vista Rd
Cortaro Farms Rd
Ina Rd
Orange Grove Rd
El Cam. Del Cerro
Prince Rd
Gra nt Rd
Speed way Blvd
La Canada Dr
La Cholla Blvd
Thornydale Rd
PINAL COUNTY
PIMA COUNTY
Miracle Mile
Census blocks in which the
minority population exceeds
the regional average of 38.0%
Minority Population
Source: Pima Association of Governments
U.S. Census Bureau
SR 77
STUDY
AREA
SR 77
STUDY
CORRIDOR
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 3-5
Exhibit 3-5
SR 77 CORRIDOR ELDERLY POPULATION
EXCEEDING REGIONAL AVERAGE
Tangerine Rd
Na ran ja Rd
Lamber t Ln
Overto n Rd
Lind a Vist a Rd
Cortaro Farms Rd
Ina Rd
Orange Grove Rd
El Cam. Del Cerr o
Prince Rd
Grant Rd
Sp eed way Blvd
La Canada Dr
La Cholla Blvd
Thornydale Rd
PINAL COUNTY
PIMA COUNTY
Miracle Mile
Census blocks in which the
population age 65 years or
more exceeds the regional
average of 14.1%
Age 65 Years and Older
Source: Pima Association of Governments
U.S. Census Bureau
SR 77
STUDY
AREA
SR 77
STUDY
CORRIDOR
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 3-6
Tanger ine Rd
Naranja Rd
Lamb ert Ln
Over to n Rd
Linda Vista Rd
Cortaro Farms Rd
In a Rd
Orange Grove Rd
El Cam. Del Cerro
Prince Rd
Grant Rd
Speedway Blvd
La Canada Dr
La Cholla Blvd
Thornydale Rd
PINAL COUNTY
PIMA COUNTY
Miracle Mile
Census blockgroups in which
disabled population exceeds
the regional average of 20.0%
Disability Status
SR 77
STUDY
AREA
SR 77
STUDY
CORRIDOR
Exhibit 3-6
SR 77 CORRIDOR DISABLED PERSONS POPULATION
EXCEEDING REGIONAL AVERAGE
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 3-7
Tanger ine Rd
Na ran ja Rd
Lambert Ln
Over to n Rd
Lind a Vista Rd
Cortaro Farms Rd
Ina Rd
Orange Grove Rd
El Cam. Del Cerr o
Prince Rd
Grant Rd
Sp eed wa y Blvd
La Canada Dr
La Cholla Blvd
Thornydale Rd
PINAL COUNTY
PIMA COUNTY
Miracle Mile
Census blockgroups in which
the percent of population below
the federal poverty level
exceeds the regional average
of 14.3%
Corridor Poverty
SR 77
STUDY
AREA
SR 77
STUDY
CORRIDOR
Exhibit 3-7
SR 77 CORRIDOR LOW INCOME POPULATION
EXCEEDING REGIONAL AVERAGE
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 3-8
Exhibit 3-8
AGE, DISABLED, AND LOW-INCOME POPULATION
DISTRIBUTION FOR AREAS WITHIN THE SR 77 CORRIDOR
Geographic Area
Population
over
Age 65
Percent
over
Age 65
Disabled
Population
Percent
Disabled
Population
Below
Poverty
Level
Percent
Below
Poverty
Level
Pinal County – All 29,116 16.2% 35,207 22.5% 27,816 16.9%
Pinal County – Corridor 883 19.8% 5,064 45.1% 791 17.7%
Pima County – All 119,812 14.2% 155,566 20.1% 120,778 14.7%
Pima County - Corridor 25,539 16.8% 28,961 21.2% 24,236 16.8%
County Line to Ina Road* 10,450 23.1% 7,192 17.3% 2,210 5.1%
Ina Road to River Road* 5,337 23.4% 4,598 18.5% 2,269 8.8%
River Road to Speedway
Boulevard*
9,752 11.6% 17,171 24.5% 19,757 26.4%
*Within SR 77 Corridor Study Area
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau and Pima Association of Governments
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 3-9
Exhibit 3-9
DISTRIBUTION OF MINORITIES BY POPULATION FOR AREAS WITHIN THE SR 77 CORRIDOR
Race
Geographic Area
White,
Not
Hispanic
African
American
American
Indian
Asian,
Pacific
Islander
Other Hispanic
Any
Total
Minority
Population
Total
Population
Pinal County – All 105,641 4,958 14,034 1,232 28,149 52,671 74,086 179,727
Pinal County – Corridor 2,948 8 55 25 630 1,408 1,510 4,458
Pima County – All 518,720 25,594 27,178 18,301 112,217 247,578 210,359 843,746
Pima County – Corridor 105,989 3,811 3,071 4,331 14,982 33,106 45,930 151,919
County Line to Ina
Road*
38,635 458 255 762 1,535 4,840 6,698 45,333
Ina Road to River Road* 19,025 350 160 683 610 2,365 3,816 22,841
River Road to Speedway
Boulevard*
48,329 3,003 2,656 2,886 12,837 25,901 35,416 83,745
*Within SR 77 Corridor Study Area
Source: U.S. Census Bureau and Pima Association of Governments
Exhibit 3-10
DISTRIBUTION OF MINORITIES BY PERCENTAGE FOR AREAS WITHIN THE SR 77 CORRIDOR
Percentage of Race Per Area
Geographic Area
White,
Not
Hispanic
African
American
American
Indian
Asian,
Pacific
Islander Other
Hispanic
Any
Total
Minority
Population
Pinal County – All 58.8 2.8 7.8 0.7 15.7 29.9 41.2
Pinal County - Corridor 66.1 0.2 1.2 0.6 14.1 31.6 33.9
Pima County – All 61.5 3.0 3.2 2.1 13.3 29.3 38.5
Pima County – Corridor 69.8 2.5 2.0 2.9 9.9 21.8 30.2
County Line to Ina Road * 85.2 1.0 0.6 1.7 3.4 10.7 14.8
Ina Road to River Road* 83.3 1.5 0.7 3.0 2.7 10.4 16.7
River Road to Speedway Boulevard* 57.7 3.6 3.2 3.4 15.3 30.9 42.3
*Within SR 77 Corridor Study Area
Source: U.S. Census Bureau and Pima Association of Governments
SR 77/Oracle Road Multimodal Corridor Profile Study May 2007
Final Report Page 4-1
4. PHYSICAL AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
This chapter identifies the pertinent environmental characteristics of the SR 77 Corridor. It also
provides a basis for an environmental screening of the corridor to identify environmental
constraints.
4.1 GENERAL TOPOGRAPHY, VEGETATION, AND CHARACTER OF THE
CORRIDOR
The SR 77 Corridor is part of the Basin and Range physiographic province, one of the three
geological provinces in Arizona. Basin and Range topography is characterized by mountain
ranges that trend northeast-southwest, separated by deeply in-filled valleys. The SR 77 Corridor
passes through a valley flanked by the Tortolita Mountains to the west and the Santa Catalina
Mountains to the east; both are classified as metamorphic core complex ranges. The SR 77
Corridor gradually, but steadily, increases in elevation from approximately 2,300 feet at the
southern terminus (Tucson) to approximately 4,200 feet (Oracle), and vegetation in the corridor
changes along this elevational gradient. The southernmost portion of the corridor is surrounded
by the City of Tucson. The corridor crosses the Rillito River within the city limits. Continuing
north, the corridor passes through areas of native vegetation typical of the Arizona Upland
Subdivision of the Sonoran Desert. This biotic community is characterized by saguaro, palo
verde, mesquite, brittlebush, and various other cacti and annual species. The Towns of Oro
Valley and Catalina also are located within this biotic community. At the junction of SR 77 and
SR 79, the vegetation shifts to semi-desert grassland, with an increase in the abundance of
mesquite. Other common plants of this biotic community include soaptree yucca and various
grass species. As the corridor approaches Oracle, oak and pinyon pine trees become part of the
vegetation composition. Exhibit 4-1 shows a list of the common plants along the SR 77
Corridor.
Invasive, non-native plants are common along the SR 77 Corridor. The most pervasive species
include buffelgrass, fountain grass, and Lehmann’s lovegrass. These grasses can have many
ecological ramifications, including competition with native species, change in species
composition, and change in fire disturbance regime. These species are all hardy perennial
bunchgrasses that fill the areas between widely-spaced native species, creating fuel for fire.
These species are fire-adapted, which means that after a fire, they can dominate the landscape
and exclude native Sonoran Desert species, which are not fire-adapted. This is of concern in
transportation projects because vehicle traffic increases human-caused fire potential.
4.2 WILDLIFE
The habitats in the corridor support numerous smaller mammals, birds, and reptiles. Exhibit 4-2
lists common fauna associated with each biotic community.
4.3 SPECIAL STATUS SPECIES AND HABITATS
In the state of Arizona, there are 52 species of plants and animals that are listed as threatened or
endangered by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service