The intersection of Camino Loma Alta and Old Spanish Trail in Pima County's Vail area had a straightforward problem: it couldn't keep up. Increasing traffic volumes had overwhelmed a four-way stop, and seasonal monsoon flows regularly made the roadway impassable. For a corridor that keeps growing, that wasn't sustainable.
The solution was a signalized intersection with a reinforced concrete box culvert, turn bay additions, and full roadway reconstruction, privately funded by Rocking K Development and built under Pima County inspection. KE&G Construction handled the construction.
WHAT THE WORK ACTUALLY INVOLVED
Plans changed on this one. They usually do when you're working in an active intersection with utilities running in every direction.
Before a shovel hit the ground, CenturyLink and Southwest Gas infrastructure had to be relocated and lowered. That work required coordination with each utility owner, approvals, and careful scheduling to keep services intact.
Once construction was underway, more conflicts emerged. Overhead TEP lines conflicted with the signal mast arm location. Unidentified Spanish Trail Water Company and Saguaro Water Company waterlines turned up in the culvert grade during subgrade prep. KE&G crews performed the excavation and backfill to help the water providers lower their lines. When a second conflicting Spanish Trail line was identified, KE&G relocated it independently to keep work moving without interrupting service.
The signal conflict was resolved through a formal RFI and joint site review. Pima County and PSOMAS issued revised plans relocating the signal foundations — clearing the overhead electrical conflict, avoiding an underground communications line, and meeting clear zone safety standards.
None of that was in the original scope. All of it got handled in the field.
RECOGNITION
This project was nominated for the MPA Common Ground Award, which recognizes collaboration that goes beyond standard development procedures. The ceremony is May 8, 2026.
WHAT IT DELIVERS
The Vail area will keep growing. This intersection is now built to support that. Traffic moves more efficiently. The roadway stays open during monsoon events. Emergency responders have more reliable access. Cyclists have dedicated improvements. The drainage infrastructure does what it was designed to do.
That's the point.
PROJECT PARTNERS
Rocking K Development · Pima County · PSOMAS · Tucson Electric Power · Southwest Gas · CenturyLink · Spanish Trail Water Company · Saguaro Water Company · Pace Electric · Marco Crane · KE&G Construction
KE&G is a respected 100% employee-owned company that is committed to delivering safe, high-quality projects that exceed the expectations of our clients