Loop closures along CDO Wash for county's levee augmentation project

Published on June 17, 2024

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (June 17, 2024) – This week, the Pima County Regional Flood Control District begins work on the Cañada del Oro (CDO) Wash Levee Augmentation Project, which takes place along The Loop trail, resulting in intermittent closures from N. La Cañada Drive to N. Oracle Road. The project will be completed by the end of November 2024, weather permitting.

Following the Bighorn Fire of 2020, the CDO Wash experienced an increase of sediment deposited downstream, thus decreasing the capacity of the wash. This critical project will restore the wash’s capacity and enhance flood protection for homes and businesses along the wash. The Pima County Regional Flood Control District has contracted KE&G Construction to perform the work.

A post-fire hydrological study performed by the Flood Control District identified seven critical areas within the wash requiring sediment removal and flood wall installation to improve the channel’s capacity and manage increased flow rates. Construction activities will occur from west to east in subsequent order as shown on the map below.

This project is funded by the Pima County Regional Flood Control District Tax Levy and a $2.5M FEMA grant. It will be performed at no cost to the Town of Oro Valley.

What residents need to know

• Temporary disturbances: Residents in the area can expect temporary disturbances in the wash including tree clearings necessary for removing excess sediment.

• Loop trail closures: Sections of The Loop trail will be closed during construction. For everyone’s safety, these sections will be inaccessible by foot, bicycle, or any other mode of transportation, with no trespassing allowed. Signage will be placed at the closure points and one mile ahead to warn users of upcoming closures. For detailed Loop closure information, visit the Loop Interactive Map at www.pima.gov/theloop. This map will be regularly updated to reflect the construction schedule. Once the project is completed, each segment of the project along The Loop will be repaved and striped.

• No anticipated impact to streets and roadways: This project will not affect roadways or vehicular traffic in town.
• Town events unaffected: Town of Oro Valley, Parks and Recreation, and other local events and activities in the area — including those at the Oro Valley Marketplace and Steam Pump Ranch — will proceed as planned.

Stay informed

The Pima County Flood Control District is the lead agency on this project. For more details, including the overall project design plan, project map, and timeline, please visit Pima County’s Cañada del Oro Levee Augmentation project web page. For any community questions or concerns, please contact the Flood Control District at 520-724-4600.

Project overview map