Florence to prioritize T‑91 intersection fix at Hunt Highway and Attaway Road

The Florence Town Council and staff reviewed two design alternatives Oct. 13 for the Hunt Highway–Attaway Road crossing and signaled consensus to prioritize a narrower, lower‑cost option. Andy, a town public‑works presenter, described T‑91 as an intersection improvement on the existing alignment with plans and most right‑of‑way already secured; he estimated the T‑91 cost at about $3.5 million. By contrast, the T‑112 alternative would realign Hunt Highway about 1,000 feet to the north, cross the Magma Flood channel and carry an engineer’s estimate near $15 million.

“Both of these intersection improvements … would get a level of service C at 2040,” Andy said, describing consultant traffic modeling that showed improved traffic flow under either alternative. Lindsey (public works) said much of T‑112’s added cost is the flood‑channel structure and additional right‑of‑way acquisition; staff also noted the federal environmental review and archaeological clearances required for T‑112 were not yet complete.

Council members discussed tradeoffs. Several said T‑91 would relieve pressing congestion and could proceed more quickly because the right‑of‑way is largely in the town’s control. Others noted the larger realignment could better serve future commercial development and avoid future rework, but would require tens of millions in additional funding and more time for environmental review and property acquisition.

After discussion, council members expressed consensus to move forward with T‑91 as the immediate priority and direct staff to develop procurement and financing steps to begin the project. Staff also advised that developers on the north and south sides retain responsibility for some frontage and half‑street improvements under existing PUD commitments; that obligation, staff said, varies by developer and platting status.

No formal ordinance or construction contract was approved at the Oct. 13 work session; staff will return with a recommended procurement schedule and funding plan consistent with the council’s direction.