Installation of traffic signal at intersection following fatal collision

The recent fatal crash at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and 2nd Street in Tucson has prompted the city to focus on safety upgrades at that location. The victims, who were University of Arizona students, have been identified as Sophia Troetel, Josiah Santos, and Katya Castillo-Mendoza. The Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) has revealed plans to introduce a new traffic signal at the intersection, with construction slated to commence by the end of 2025 and completion anticipated by spring 2026. Emphasizing a commitment to prioritizing public safety, the department aims to enhance roadway safety for all users, particularly cyclists and pedestrians. The proposed enhancements include the installation of a new traffic signal to manage north and south traffic on Euclid Avenue, as well as separate paths for bicycle and pedestrian crossings in the east-west direction. Additionally, there will be a designated signal to halt traffic on Euclid for cyclists and pedestrians crossing 2nd Street. The project will also impose restrictions on turns at the intersection, allowing only right turns for east and westbound traffic, maintaining the prohibition on north-to-west turns, and permitting south-to-east turns for access to a nearby parking garage. This initiative is part of a larger effort to improve cycling infrastructure in Tucson, connecting to a future 2nd Street Bicycle Boulevard. City data from 2020 to 2024 indicates a previous non-injury incident involving bicycles and pedestrians at the intersection. The Euclid and 2nd Street project is part of a group of six locations where the city will implement signalized pedestrian crossings, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and expected to take up to 12 months to complete construction. In the meantime, temporary safety measures will be implemented at Euclid and 2nd Street, such as refreshing signs and striping, assessing street lighting functionality, and potentially installing flashing amber beacons. The DTM has been planning these enhancements since 2023, with project plans now finalized and the next step involving the selection of a contractor for construction.