Pinal County to close Ralston Road July 7 for year‑long culvert project; utilities to be upgraded first

Pinal County officials told the Board of Supervisors on July 2 that a planned construction project to install a culvert/bridge on Ralston Road will require a closure beginning July 7 and lasting for about a year.

The project, which county staff described as a public‑safety priority, responds to repeated flash‑flooding and dangerous washouts in the area. A county presentation said construction documents are complete and the work will include widening and a new crossing designed to prevent vehicles and pedestrians from being swept downstream during heavy rains.

County representatives said utility work is part of the project timeline: an old gas line has been abandoned and replaced, water lines will be upgraded to improve pressure, and electrical work is being coordinated so residents should not experience planned interruptions to power, gas or water during construction.

A public works representative noted that while closures and detours will cause inconvenience, the goal is to deliver a safer crossing for school buses, commercial traffic and residents. The county asked for patience during the work and said it will reopen the road as soon as the project permits.

(Reporting for this item: Pinal County Public Works presentation; comments introduced by Supervisor Richard Vialaito.)