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.

There are no restrictions in place at this time.

 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.