Drivers brace for I-19 and Irvington construction project

Construction at the Interstate 19 and Irvington Road interchange is expected to begin July 29, with the first traffic restrictions starting that day. The project was delayed while crews waited for specialty fencing needed to shift traffic and build the work zone.

The work is scheduled to last 20 months. Crews will rebuild the interchange, widen Irvington Road, improve freeway access and make the area easier to navigate for people walking and biking.

Drivers should expect delays during construction. Sharla Palmer, who travels from Sahuarita to run errands, said the changes may lead her to visit Tucson stores more often instead.

Other drivers said the interchange has needed improvements for years, despite the short-term traffic problems the project may bring.