TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) – Construction is underway to widen Grant Road, but not only are the lanes getting longer, but so is the vegetation.

The City of Tucson plans to plant a total of 3,744 plants spread across the 3-mile construction site from Country Club Road to Swan Road.

About 225 of them will be trees, says Bob Roggenthen, project manager at the Ministry of Transport and Mobility.

“The community is very landscape-oriented, which is great because we want to plant as much landscape as possible,” Roggenthen said.

The $64 million project, funded by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), includes the expansion of six lanes from Edith Boulevard to Venice Avenue.

Other plans for the project include drainage improvements, protected bike and pedestrian crossings, and public transit improvements.

“This is a difficult project because it is located in an urban environment and we would therefore like to have a little more landscaping to make it a little friendlier for the residents,” said Roggenthen, explaining why the project also includes green median strips and sidewalks.

The Grant Road reconstruction is currently in phases three and four. From approximately 8pm to 3am, crews will be working on underground sewerage, water supply and electricity.

“Both ends of Grant turn into Kolb and lead to the interstate. This is where our goods and services are delivered to Midtown,” Roggenthen said. “So it’s really important that we better establish this route.”

Construction and landscaping west of Alvernon Road is expected to be completed by January 2026, while the section east of Alvernon is expected to be completed by October 2026.

Maria Staub