Total Actual Cost: $1,521,988
Project Number: CTR4HA2DM
Funding Sources: 1997 HURF Revenue Bonds, MIF Grant, 2004 GO Bonds
Completion Date: December 2015
Managing Dept.: Pima County Project Management Office
Project Map: GIS map
The Harrison Greenway is a key segment of The Loop, a 131-mile-long shared-use path system around the Metro Tucson area that brings together bikers, walkers, runners, and many others. This project consisted of a 12-foot asphalt path extending 3.2 miles.
Its completion filled a gap between Irvington Road and Mesquite Elementary along the future Harrison Road alignment. This section also provides critical connectivity for Loop users between the Pantano Riverpark to the north and the Julian Wash Greenway to the south via Rita Ranch.
In addition, the Harrison Greenway path also promotes a buffer to the adjacent Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (DMAFB). This path shifts future residential development from the DMAFB fence while also protecting the Base's only shooting range.
Construction of the new Greenway took place on an acquired easement from the Arizona State Land Department. The Greenway path lies in a beautiful desert landscape, including many small washes and the backdrop of the Catalina Mountains. The section sits on an active grazing lease parcel owned by the State of Arizona. As such, the pathway includes a creative cattle guard with self-closing gates to help keep the livestock safely within the fenced area, and away from Irvington and Valencia Roads. The cattle guard includes an alternate bypass route to allow bikers and pedestrians to avoid the cattle guard when accessing the path.
Another safety improvement made during this project includes the installation of a new HAWK signal on Valencia Road. This signalized bike and pedestrian crossing ensures safe intersection crossing for Loop users.