Turn restrictions at 16th and Arizona

An intersection expansion project will prevent motorists from turning south from 16th Street onto Arizona Avenue beginning Wednesday, city of Yuma officials said.

And, starting Aug. 3, motorists will not be able to turn north from 16th onto Arizona, the city said.

The expansion, a precursor to the overall widening of 16th Street, will provide six east- and westbound lanes at the the intersection, plus turn lanes. Arizona Avenue will also get new turn lanes at the intersection.

The restriction on northbound turns onto Arizona is expected to be in place until late September, while the restriction on southbound turns is scheduled to be in effect until late December city officials said.

During the work, access will be provided to all business in the area of the intersection, although temporary closures may occur at times and detour routes will be put in place.

Increasing traffic is prompting the Arizona Department of Transportation to widen 16th from Yuma Palms Parkway to just east of Arizona Avenue. The project is expected to begin as early as mid-September.

While all businesses along 16th will remain open and access will be maintained, motorists who are not patronizing businesses are asked to use 24th Street, 32nd Street, or Interstate 8 as alternative routes. During the project, 16th will often be reduced to one lane in each direction with continuous left turn prohibitions and lengthy delays, city officials said.

Other road projects taking place around Yuma include:

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Avenue A widening

Overnight closures between the hours midnight and 6 a.m. may occur periodically on Avenue A between 16th and 24th streets to allow for utility modifications as part of the widening of A, the city said.

During normal business hours, motorists should use care when traveling in these construction areas, the city said.

Access to all businesses along Avenue A is still available. Motorist not driving to businesses or neighborhoods along Avenue A are asked to use alternate routes such as 4th Avenue or Avenues B and C.

Currently, 16th Street in the area near Avenue A is reduced to one lane in each direction.

On Avenue A, the right northbound lane is closed and the center turn lane is being used for northbound traffic, so motorists should expect delays behind those waiting to make turns, the city said.

The overall project involves the widening of Avenue A to double the current number of through-traffic lanes as well as intersection improvements and expansion at 16th Street and 24th Street.

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Carver Park neighborhood reconstruction

Magnolia Avenue will be open to local traffic only or reduced to one lane at times between 5th and 8th streets, as part of the Carver Park neighborhood street replacement and reconstruction project.

The project is bounded by the West Main Canal on the north, Avenue A on the east, 8th Street on the south and Magnolia Avenue along the west. Construction is now expected to be completed by fall.