Business owners along Val Vista Drive in Mesa are facing mounting financial pressure as a major roadway reconstruction project continues to disrupt traffic, reduce customer access, and create uncertainty about when normal business conditions will return. While the City of Mesa says the project is designed to improve safety, traffic flow, and aging infrastructure for decades to come, many local businesses say the prolonged construction has significantly hurt daily operations.
The extensive roadwork, which stretches from the US 60 Freeway to Pueblo Avenue and includes the busy intersection of Val Vista Drive and Southern Avenue, began in August 2025 and is currently expected to continue through the spring of 2027. The lengthy construction timeline has left many businesses worried about declining sales and the long-term impact on their customer base.
Why the Val Vista Drive Project Is Taking So Long
Major Infrastructure Improvements Underway
According to the City of Mesa, the project is much more than simple road resurfacing. Officials are completely reconstructing sections of Val Vista Drive while expanding the roadway to provide three through lanes in each direction between US 60 and Enid Avenue.
The project also includes new raised medians, dedicated bicycle lanes, upgraded drainage systems, improved landscaping, traffic signal modifications, replacement of sidewalks, curbs and gutters, ADA-compliant ramps, utility upgrades, and the conversion of overhead electric lines to underground service. These improvements are intended to modernize one of Mesa’s busiest transportation corridors.
Unexpected Utility Conflicts Cause Delays
One of the biggest reasons for the prolonged construction has been conflicts involving underground utilities.
City officials say crews encountered complications while relocating existing gas mains, water lines, valves, and electrical infrastructure. These unexpected issues delayed several phases of roadway construction because utility work had to be completed before paving and concrete installation could continue.
The City notes that sewer improvements have been completed, but some asphalt paving and remaining concrete work cannot proceed until the utility conflicts are fully resolved.
Businesses Say Customer Traffic Has Dropped Dramatically
Reduced Visibility Hurting Sales
Many businesses located along the construction corridor report that customers simply avoid the area because of lane closures, detours, traffic congestion, and confusing access routes.
Restaurants, retail stores, service providers, and other locally owned businesses have all experienced fewer customers during construction. Some business owners say regular customers believe businesses are closed because construction equipment blocks storefront visibility or makes entrances difficult to locate.
Owners have expressed frustration that although access technically remains open, many drivers choose alternate routes instead of navigating the construction zone.
Daily Operations Have Become More Difficult
Business owners also report operational challenges beyond reduced customer traffic.
Delivery trucks sometimes experience delays due to lane restrictions, employees require additional travel time to reach work, and customers frequently call businesses asking whether they are open or how to access parking lots safely.
Many owners say they have increased advertising and social media efforts simply to remind customers that they remain open during construction.
Construction Continues in Multiple Phases
Phase One Nearing Completion
The City of Mesa says the first phase of construction, which focused primarily on the west side of Val Vista Drive between US 60 and Southern Avenue, is largely complete.
However, crews will return later to install the final surface layer of asphalt once additional work throughout the corridor has progressed.
Phase Two Still Underway
The second phase focuses on the east side of Val Vista Drive.
Current work includes roadway widening, utility relocation, asphalt removal, lime treatment of the roadway base, installation of new pavement, sidewalk improvements, curb replacement, driveway reconstruction, and electrical upgrades.
Officials say utility conflicts have slowed several of these activities, causing construction schedules to shift beyond original expectations.
Lane Restrictions Continue to Affect Drivers
Traffic Patterns Frequently Change
Motorists traveling through the corridor continue to encounter changing lane configurations, intermittent left-turn restrictions, narrowed travel lanes, construction barriers, and occasional side street closures.
The City encourages drivers to follow posted signage and use alternate routes whenever possible, warning that restrictions will remain in place throughout various stages of construction.
Future closures, including work near Hampton Avenue and Val Vista Drive, are expected as crews replace corner ramps, roadway sections, and additional infrastructure.
Long-Term Benefits Expected After Construction
Safer Roads and Improved Traffic Flow
Despite the current inconvenience, city officials maintain that the finished project will significantly improve transportation throughout the corridor.
The reconstructed roadway is expected to offer smoother pavement, additional travel lanes, improved bicycle infrastructure, upgraded drainage, enhanced landscaping, modern traffic signals, safer pedestrian crossings, and fully ADA-compliant sidewalks and driveways.
Officials believe these improvements will better accommodate future traffic growth while reducing maintenance costs over the coming decades.
Business Owners Hope Relief Comes Soon
Calls for Faster Progress
While many business owners acknowledge the need for infrastructure improvements, they continue to express concern over the length of the project.
Several have urged city officials and contractors to complete work as quickly as possible, saying extended construction threatens the financial stability of small businesses that depend on daily vehicle traffic.
Owners emphasize that they support long-term improvements but hope construction crews can accelerate remaining phases so customers will once again feel comfortable visiting the area.
Project Timeline
Completion Expected in Spring 2027
The City of Mesa currently estimates that the Val Vista Drive reconstruction project will be completed in the spring of 2027, provided no additional major utility conflicts or unforeseen construction challenges arise.
Until then, residents, commuters, and business owners are expected to continue navigating periodic lane restrictions, construction activity, and changing traffic patterns as crews work to complete one of Mesa’s largest roadway improvement projects.
