SR24-1

State Route 189 improvements begin with public input

State Route 189 improvements begin with public input

February 1, 2017

By Tom Herrmann / ADOT Communications

By the time today’s Nogales High School seniors turn 40, traffic on State Route 189 (Mariposa Road) running near their school is projected to be twice as heavy as it is today.

With more than 100 people gathered at the high school on Tuesday, Jan. 31, ADOT shared those and other projections at a public hearing to help explain and get feedback on plans for improving SR 189 between the Mariposa Port of Entry, Interstate 19 and Grand Avenue. The slideshow above shows some of what happened at the hearing.

Public involvement – in this case, seeking input on a Draft Environmental Assessment – is essential to an ADOT project such as this. Tuesday's hearing was an important step forward on improving a 3.75-mile highway important not only to the community but to commercial vehicles and personal travelers using SR 189 between the international border and I-19.

Residents had the chance to examine the plans, ask questions of ADOT engineers and share their thoughts. They asked about plans for specific areas along the road. Some pointed out their neighborhoods or businesses to see how the proposed changes would affect them. Many attendees offered ideas.

Proposed investments, including a flyover ramp to northbound I-19, are intended to significantly improve the highway, enhance safety and reduce congestion for many years to come. Other work proposed includes adding a raised median along SR 189 and improving intersections with Grand Avenue and Target Range Road.

If you weren't able to come to Tuesday’s hearing, we still want to know what you think. Please review the draft environmental assessment at azdot.gov/SR189DraftEA. Click the link there to share your comments. Or read the plan at Nogales City Hall or the Nogales/Santa Cruz Public Library and mail your ideas to 1655 W. Jackson, Mail Drop 126F, Phoenix, AZ 85007. The deadline for input is Feb. 14.

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