ADOT applies for TIGER grant to expand SR 189 project

NOGALES ‒ The Arizona Department of Transportation has applied for a $25 million federal TIGER grant to allow construction of all proposed improvements to State Route 189 in Nogales at the same time, beginning in 2019.

The $25 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant would go toward construction of a southbound flyover ramp at Interstate 19 in addition to the northbound flyover ramp that’s currently funded, as well as a bridge over Frank Reed Road and other improvements to the 3.75-mile route connecting the Mariposa Port of Entry with I-19.

“ADOT is committed to working creatively with the community to accelerate State Route 189 improvements and better support trade between the U.S. and Mexico,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Seeking this TIGER grant is one way we’re seeking to move forward sooner with all proposed enhancements to a route vital to international commerce and to the community of Nogales.”

ADOT currently has funding for the first phase the project, which includes a flyover ramp connecting northbound SR 189 and northbound I-19, along with other improvements. A $25 million commitment from the Arizona Legislature signed by Governor Doug Ducey allowed ADOT to begin construction in 2019, two years earlier than originally planned.

Funding isn’t currently identified for Phase Two, which would include the southbound flyover ramps and a bridge that would carry SR 189 over Frank Reed Road, which leads to Nogales High School. ADOT, Nogales and Santa Cruz County are coordinating efforts on a partnership that could include funding for the Phase Two work.

By allowing construction of both phases to begin at the same time, the TIGER grant would reduce the estimated cost of the full project from $147 million to $134 million.

A $15 million TIGER grant is helping to fund work on the SR 347 bridge over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in Maricopa, which will begin in November. Another TIGER grant of $21.6 million went toward the rehabilitation of Virgin River Bridge No. 6 on Interstate 15 in far northwestern Arizona.

Since 2009, Congress has dedicated nearly $5.1 billion in TIGER grants to fund projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a region or a metropolitan area.