TUCSON, AZ (Nov. 6, 2026) -- The Regional Transportation Authority and City of Tucson will celebrate a major transportation milestone Friday, Nov. 6, with a ribbon cutting marking completion of the Downtown Links Phase III West-End project. The public is invited.
Part of the 2006 voter-approved RTA plan, the project connects Barraza-Aviation Parkway to St. Mary’s Road, improving access around downtown while providing safer bicycle and pedestrian connections and helping divert through traffic from the downtown core.
The community celebration takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Downtown Links Deck Plaza. Parking is available at Ninth Avenue and Church Avenue and in the neighborhood north of the plaza.
“This project has been a top priority for me and our Tucson community since my time representing Ward 1. Our residents have been incredibly patient and supportive as we’ve worked toward completing Downtown Links, and I am deeply grateful to the voters who chose to invest in Tucson’s future,” said Mayor Regina Romero.
“I am proud to deliver this project promised to voters, achieving our goal of diverting traffic from our downtown core and creating a safer environment for pedestrians and local patrons.”
Construction on Phase III began in August 2020, with improvements delivered in two segments. The eastern segment, along the new Maclovio Barraza Parkway from Broadway to Sixth Street, was completed in February 2023. Completion of the western segment marks the latest milestone in fulfilling the RTA transportation commitment.
The project combines roadway improvements with infrastructure designed to improve safety, connectivity and flood protection. Features include an underground box culvert to help alleviate downtown flooding, a Sixth Street overpass, an underpass eliminating the Sixth Street railroad crossing at street level, the Ninth Avenue Deck Plaza, and expanded bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
“Residents fought to keep the 9th Avenue Deck Plaza and the bike and pedestrian connections in this project, and their persistence paid off. Today with this final phase completed, people can walk and bike across the railroad safely. Downtown Links now connects people, not just places,” said Vice Mayor and Ward 1 Council Member Lane Santa Cruz.
The celebration will include performances by the Barbea Williams Performing Company and Roskruge Bilingual K-8’s folklorico and mariachi groups, followed by the ribbon cutting and dedication of the Sixth Street Underpass.
Joining the RTA and City in inviting the community are the Tohono O’odham Nation, Arts Foundation for Southern Arizona, the Barraza family and the City’s Department of Transportation and Mobility.
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) helps fund, plan, and build transportation projects across Pima County. Voters approved a 20-year $2.67 billion regional transportation plan on March 10, 2026, along with a half-cent sales tax to fund it. This new plan will invest in roads, public transit, safety improvements, and other transportation projects to help people get around safely, reliably, and efficiently. For more information, visit RTAmobility.com.
