The Loop path system, a sprawling network of paved, cars-free trails beloved by area walkers, joggers and cyclists, is one of the centerpieces of local recreation and alternative transportation infrastructure.
But there’s a problem: It’s not actually a closed loop, at least not yet.
The missing piece is between North Craycroft and East Tanque Verde roads and, according to county officials and one property owner, final deals to grant the needed access are close at hand.
However, the most recent step toward that end is one that certainly doesn’t sound at all amicable: Earlier this month, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted to authorize condemning portions of five properties along the Pantano Wash.
But Brett Rustand, whose family has a compound of sorts on one of the properties, told the Road Runner he welcomed that move and seriously doubts it would ever come to the point of the county having to exercise its eminent-domain powers. Authorizations of condemnation can also come with tax benefits for property owners and rarely lead to actual condemnation proceedings, according to officials.
“From our vantage, it’s not only a necessary step, it’s a positive step,” Rustand said. “As a taxpayer in Pima County, I wouldn’t want them to start a project that they could not finish.”
The authorization does not approve the taking of any portion of the properties in question. Rather, it allows the county to start condemnation proceedings if the ongoing negotiations break down. Rustand said that’s not likely.
Several months ago, the Rustands — avid Loop supporters — invited several neighbors and county officials over to discuss the best way to move forward.
“I don’t think there was much convincing,” Brett said. “I think we all see the importance of The Loop. We all see what a great resource it is. The only hard part is the county needed to work with those landowners.”
Neil Konigsberg, manager of county real property services, said negotiations are “going along well” and he expects them finish up within the next few months.
“My understanding is that we want to complete this as quickly as possible so we can have that final section of The Loop closed,” he said.
The Pima County Regional Flood Control District’s Andy Dinauer, who is overseeing the last leg of The Loop, said he worked with property owners on the location of the path and other changes to accommodate them. To plot out the line, Dinauer said county officials walked “hand in hand” with landowners.
“We were crawling through the brush with them,” he said.
The mutually agreed-upon route takes the path on lower terraces to preserve privacy, and some screen walls and barriers may be constructed to keep users on the path and without clear lines of sight into homes.
Dinauer said the project will cost an estimated $400,000, much of which will come from Regional Transportation Authority funds for alternative transportation. The city will also receive some of those funds, which will be used to improve access to The Loop from nearby neighborhoods, Dinauer said.
He expects construction to take place between September and December, with a so-called Golden Spoke event to follow in commemoration of The Loop’s completion, possibly as soon as early 2018.
For their part, the Rustands can’t wait.
“It really is a great asset to the community, and frankly it’s a benefit to the landowners along there,” Brett said.
DOWN THE ROAD
Crews working for the city of Tucson will lower manhole and water-valve covers along Alvernon Way between East Speedway and East 22nd Street starting Wednesday at 6 a.m. with weekday shifts lasting through 4 p.m. through Aug. 10.
Lane closures will be in effect 24 hours a day. The work is in preparation for a repaving project.
Starting Monday at 5 a.m., county contractor Granite Construction will begin repairing the pavement along West Sunset Road from North La Cholla Boulevard to its western end. Shifts will last through 6 p.m. through the following Monday. During construction, lane restrictions and reduced speeds will be in place. Sheriff’s deputies and flaggers will be on site to assist.
Similar work will be done on West Orange Grove Road between North Shannon Road and La Cholla Boulevard, also starting Monday and with the same shifts.
Similar restrictions will be in place, and the work is expected to be done by Friday.
