Scottsdale’s Civic Center Reopens To Pedestrians

From the City of Scottsdale:

By Holly Walter,

November 22, 2019

ArtFest of Scottsdale patrons will be the first to experience Scottsdale Civic Center’s new pedestrian walkways and lawn as the popular area fully reopens to pedestrians this weekend.

The pedestrian overpass – on Drinkwater Boulevard between Second Street and Indian School Road – closed in July 2018 to permit emergency repairs to a supporting bridge structure.

The area connects civic buildings, such as City Hall and the Civic Center Library, to the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and creates an open space for festivals, concerts and several pieces of public art, including Robert Indiana’s Love sculpture.

Workers conducted an inspection of the Drinkwater Bridge in July 2018 and determined that water damage from leaking fountains required immediate closures and structural repairs. The leaking fountains have since been removed and the renovated underpass – now with two tunnels, improved lighting and several structural changes to make the structure safer – reopened in September.

While Civic Center is now fully open to pedestrians, visitors are advised to remain cautious of workers and barriers as the final renovation work takes place. The project is expected to be complete in December.

This press release was produced by the City of Scottsdale. The views expressed here are the author’s own.