Mill Avenue Streetscape Improvements:

Work continues on Tempe’s Downtown Refresh Project, which will enhance the Mill Avenue Streetscape from University Drive to Rio Salado Parkway. It’s the first renovation of its kind on Mill Avenue in approximately 40 years.

Work includes new electrical lines, a new irrigation system, new and wider brick sidewalks with artistic treatments, new paving, ADA updates and more than 120 new trees and 26 Ficus trees saved.

The construction schedule will accommodate planned events in downtown Tempe and Valley Metro schedules. During construction, access to Mill Avenue businesses will remain open.

Many of the Downtown Tempe renovations are part of the of the Refresh Tempe effort. The program aims to add and maintain Tempe amenities and infrastructure in order to improve quality of life for all community members.

These investments are made in alignment with the City Council's five Strategic Priorities and the city's Performance Measures.

Project updates

Are you a merchant on Mill Avenue? Check out our page with information for merchants. 

Want to get the latest news on progress and restrictions? Sign up for project emails.

Restriction Notices

For all restrictions: Please be aware of barricades, pedestrian walkways, signage and detours. The project team is taking special consideration of Downtown Tempe's schedule of events to ensure coordination. Pedestrian traffic will be routed around all project areas to ensure safety and preserve the work site.

Project dates and hours are subject to change due to weather, equipment or other unforeseen issues in the field. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we install these vital improvements.

Every effort will be made to minimize the noise, but you may still hear jack hammering, back-up alarms, saw cutting and excavation equipment. Work hours (unless otherwise noted): 5 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Paving: May- July

Starting May 26, crews will begin road adjustments, including removing the pavers in the intersections, for milling and paving from University Drive to Rio Salado Parkway. The work will occur in three phases and during each phase, Mill Avenue and a portion of the intersecting streets off of Mill Avenue will be closed to all vehicle and bicycle traffic. Pedestrian and business access will be maintained. Work hours will vary depending on the phase and activity but some 24- hour work will be required.

Phase 1: North of University Drive to south of Fifth Street, May 26 – June 7 

Phase 2: Intersection of Mill Avenue and Fifth Street to south of Third Street, June 8 – 21

Phase 3: Third Street and Mill Avenue intersection to south of Rio Salado Parkway, June 22 – July 8

Lithomosaic sandblasting: May 18 - 25

Crews will be sandblasting select corners throughout the project to sandblast the lithomosaic inserts. Work hours will be midnight – 6 a.m. 

HVAC Installation off hours work (Sixth Street and Mill Avenue)

Crews will be working off hours nightly from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., April 13 - 15 for building HVAC installation at Sixth Street and Mill Avenue. Crews will then resume working at 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. until the completion of the project at the end of May.

 Public Process:

 The first round of outreach took place in August 2023. View the meeting presentation, meeting recording and public input summary.

 Three meetings took place in January 2024. View the meeting presentation or meeting recording.