ADOT to hold public meeting for State Route 189 Study in Nogales

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation, in a partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, is hosting a public meeting in Nogales on Tuesday, Nov. 18 to provide an update on the State Route 189: International Border to Grand Avenue Study.

Beginning in 2011, ADOT began an engineering and environmental study for SR 189, also known locally as Mariposa Road, to develop a long-range plan for future improvements between the U.S.-Mexico border and Grand Avenue.

At less than four miles long, SR 189 in Nogales is one of the shortest routes on the state’s highway system, but it is one of the most critical when it comes to commerce and trade due to its close proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border.

In addition, the Mariposa Port of Entry, one of the busiest cargo ports along the U.S.-Mexico border, has recently been expanded and increased travel demand along the route is anticipated.

The public is invited to attend the meeting to learn more about the study and provide comments.

The Nov. 18 public meeting is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. (5:45 p.m. presentation start) at the Mary L. Welty Elementary School in the cafeteria/multipurpose room, 1050 W. Cimarron St.

In order for potential SR 189 improvement projects to move forward, they would need to be added to ADOT’s Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program. This Five-Year Program serves as a blueprint for future projects and designates how much local, state and federal funding is allocated for those projects. A potential project goes through several levels of review to become part of the Tentative Five-Year Program before the program is presented to the State Transportation Board for consideration and formal approval.

ADOT is accepting public comments on the State Route 189 study through Dec. 2, 2014. Comments can be submitted to [email protected].