Night owls in Tucson might notice their streets getting a makeover this week as road crews gear up to resume fog seal work on several major thoroughfares. The City of Tucson's Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) is set to improve the roadway conditions under the voter-approved Prop 101 Tucson Delivers Better Streets Program. According to an announcement on the city's website, the work will minimize disruption by taking place at night from Sunday, April 28, through Friday, May 3, between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. each day.

The process to apply a fog seal, a thin layer of asphalt emulsion, is intended to follow up on a crack seal treatment from the previous year. This application aims to cover small imperfections and cracks to both preserve and rejuvenate existing asphalt surfaces. Workers will be out on roads including the Sabino Canyon and Tanque Verde Road intersection, Tanque Verde Road from Kolb Road to Sabino Canyon Road, and several others. Motorists should be prepared to quickly adapt to changing traffic patterns as at least one travel lane will be diligently maintained in both directions.

Each morning following the overnight work, traffic restrictions will be lifted, allowing for regular day-time travel without interruption. Though these improvements are necessary for the longevity and safety of Tucson's roadways, drivers commuting through the affected areas during the night can expect delays. Officials urge the traveling public to heed all traffic control signs and keep a watchful eye for construction personnel and equipment in the work zones.

The entire project is part of the larger Tucson Delivers Better Streets initiative, a $100 million improvement program funded by the half-cent sales tax increase passed in May 2017. The city thanks residents in advance for their cooperation and reminds them to visit their website for more detailed information on the program. Travelers should stay informed to avoid unwanted delays and to safely navigate the areas under construction.