Gov. Doug Ducey and officials break ground on State Route 189. | Facebook
Gov. Doug Ducey and officials break ground on State Route 189. | Facebook
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) says the Mariposa Road overhaul will begin in April.
The $134-million project is expected to take 18 months to complete.
At the kickoff ceremony, Gov. Doug Ducey said the roadway will encourage more trade with Mexico.
"The improvements along State Route 189 will improve safety, enhance trade and foster an even stronger relationship with our neighbors in Mexico," Ducey said.
The overhaul of State Road 189, as Mariposa Road is known, will provide a dedicated connection between the Mariposa Port of Entry and I-19 for trucks headed north after crossing the border.
Officials could not say whether a row of landmark trees would be cut down. They also did not predict how traffic lanes would be impacted as the work proceeds.
An overpass will be constructed at Frank Reed Road. A roundabout will be built at the intersection of Mariposa and Target Range Roads, and a new traffic light will be added at the intersection with Loma Mariposa Road. A pair of flyover ramps will connect Mariposa Road to Interstate 19.
The flyover ramps, which will connect with SR 189 west of Frank Reed Road, will make the roadway safer for students of nearby Nogales High School. The project also includes improved drainage and traffic signals.
Tom Hermann of ADOT said they expect most of the roadwork to be done at night. He said no section of the road is expected to be completely closed for more than 20 days. He said access to local businesses will be maintained throughout the construction.
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