Roosevelt Storm Drain Project

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A new, sustainable project to install storm drains is under construction along Roosevelt Drive, Continental Drive and in the neighborhoods north of this area. The Roosevelt Storm Drain Project will increase drainage capacity, improve water capture, upgrade flooding protection and consider sustainability by utilizing stormwater runoff for right-of-way landscaping.

This is a joint project by the City of Tempe, the City of Scottsdale and the Flood Control District of Maricopa County.

Estimated date for completion: December 2026

Project maps

Project details

The Flood Control District of Maricopa County recommended and approved this project for the District's Capital Improvement Program funding at 65% match and splits the remaining budget participation between the City of Tempe and the City of Scottsdale. The project will focus on increasing storm drain capacity and capture capacity to provide relief for areas of current and potential future flooding.

The proposed Roosevelt Street storm drain is an extension of the existing 78-inch storm drain that outlets to Indian Bend Wash at Roosevelt Street. New storm drains are also proposed to capture the flows in the east-west streets north of Roosevelt Street/Continental Drive (in Scottsdale), including new laterals in 74th Street., 70th Street, and 68th Street.

In addition to the proposed lateral storm drains, inlets will also be added along Roosevelt Street/Continental Drive at the upstream side of intersecting streets to collect runoff before it can leave the roadway gutter and flow to the south, improving drainage conditions for the neighborhood areas south of Continental Dr./Roosevelt St.

Sustainability

This project will consider sustainability by exploring the inclusion of green stormwater infrastructure and low-impact design, such as utilizing stormwater runoff for right-of-way landscaping. The City of Tempe's Rain to Roots Master Plan develops a comprehensive strategy for implementing, maintaining, and funding green infrastructure to promote equitable urban cooling throughout Tempe.

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Area Impacts and neighborhood communication

All streets, sidewalks, driveways, and landscaping impacted by construction will be restored as part of the project. Information will be provided in a variety of formats to impacted neighbors throughout the construction process. Specific traffic and water service impacts will be communicated directly to area residents via doorhanger and postcard.

Project hotline: 480-898-4100

Traffic impacts

Latest update: May 29, 2026

May 26 – July 10: Continental Drive closed from College to McAllister
June 22 - July 10: Continental Drive/College Avenue intersection closed
Beginning July 10: 68^th St, between Continental and Moreland, will be closed in segments. Continental and College intersection will be reopened.
Orbit Earth Buses and the Scottsdale Trolley 68 CM are currently being detoured due to this project. For route updates, check with Valley Metro.

Traffic control will remain in place 24/7. Resident access will be maintained although it may not be the most direct route.

Note: There are multiple infrastructure projects happening in this area, including the Scottsdale Road Bike Lane Project, that involve impacts to traffic. Stay up to date by checking project webpages, signing up for the Scottsdale Road Bike Project email list and checking your mailbox/door for postcards and doorhangers.