PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is starting a project that will make it easier for drivers and cyclists to move along a seven-mile stretch of Oracle Road (State Route 77) in the Catalina area.

Beginning June 12, crews will begin adding one new travel lane in each direction for a total of six lanes between Tangerine Road and the Pinal County line. Work will also include widening the shoulders of the road making it easier for cyclists to ride in the area as well as adding raised medians, making traffic signal improvements and installing a shared-use path on the east side of Oracle Road from Wilds Road to Eagle Crest Ranch Boulevard.

Two wildlife crossing structures, one overpass and one underpass, funded by the Regional Transportation Authority, will be constructed as a part of the project. These structures are designed to keep motorists safe and reduce vehicle-animal collisions.

Two lanes of travel will be maintained through the work zone with occasional lane closures taking place during nighttime hours. Drivers are reminded to slow down while traveling through the work zone.

Construction is anticipated to be completed by spring 2016.

Utility relocation work began in spring 2013 to relocate utility lines – including gas, cable, phone and electric – so they won’t be in conflict with the widening project. The utility relocation work will continue through the beginning of the project.

The $33.9 million construction project is a collaboration between the Arizona Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration and the Regional Transportation Authority.