Flagstaff Completes Five New Soliere Avenue Crossings
The city finished pedestrian safety improvements east of Fourth Street to boost transit access.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Flagstaff has officially completed the construction of five new pedestrian crossings along Soliere Avenue. This project aims to enhance safety and accessibility for residents traveling to local bus stops.
Why it matters
The initiative specifically targets the 'First Mile, Last Mile' challenge, ensuring that pedestrians can safely reach public transit hubs. By improving infrastructure near bus stops, the city hopes to encourage higher ridership and safer street navigation.
The project received $5.5 million in funding from a Federal Transit Administration grant, supplemented by $1.4 million from a local transportation tax. Officials confirmed the completion of five distinct pedestrian crossings along the Soliere Avenue corridor.
The players
City of Flagstaff
This is the municipal government responsible for local infrastructure projects and the allocation of transportation tax funds.
Mountain Line
This is the public transit agency that collaborated with the city to improve pedestrian access to bus stops.
Kinney Construction Services
This is the private contractor that managed the physical construction and installation of the five new crossings.
Federal Transit Administration
This is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Transportation that provides financial assistance for public transit systems.
The details
The project was a collaborative effort between the City of Flagstaff and Mountain Line, with Kinney Construction Services serving as the project contractor. Work was focused on the segment of Soliere Avenue located east of Fourth Street.
Timeline
Construction work on the crossings began in June 2026.
The city announced the completion of the pedestrian crossings on October 22, 2026.
Political Context
This project follows the pattern set by the First Mile, Last Mile initiative to improve connectivity between residential areas and transit hubs. Opponents of such infrastructure spending often raise concerns regarding the use of local transportation taxes for non-roadway improvements.
Residents who frequent the bus stops on Soliere Avenue east of Fourth Street can now expect safer, designated crossing points during their daily commute. These upgrades reduce the risk of accidents for pedestrians and streamline the path to public transit.
The takeaway
Reliable pedestrian access is a critical component of successful public transit systems that can encourage residents to leave their cars at home. Focusing infrastructure investments on the short distance between homes and bus stops provides significant safety benefits to the local community.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing city improvements, visit the Civic Engagement section.
More information
View project details and maps on the pedestrian improvements project page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Arizona Daily Sun.
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