Traffic waits at a light at the Union Pacific tracks, where an overpass is planned.

Though overpass construction is delayed, Arizona Department of Transportation intends to begin tearing down structures on properties it owns in the Heritage District in mid-February to make way for the overpass.

Those properties include the former fire department administration buildings, the Copa Center and the former sheriff’s office building that used to house F.O.R. Maricopa Food Bank.

Maricopa Fire/Medical Department has relocated its administration to 45654 W. Edison Road across from Fire Station 575. F.O.R. has moved its food distribution to Santa Cruz Elementary School while it prepares its new property beside the blue Business Barn south of the railroad tracks. Senior citizens who used to patronize the Copa Center for games and gatherings have also been relocated to Santa Cruz Elementary.

Actual construction of the overpass is expected to begin later in February or early March, delayed by contractor Ames Construction’s continuing work on an earlier project. ADOT spokesman Tom Herrmann said an official start date for construction has not been set.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR