I-19 paving projects begin near Sahuarita, Tubac

PHOENIX – About 19 miles of Interstate 19 near the communities of Sahuarita and Tubac will be resurfaced in 2021 with a layer of rubberized asphalt, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

The improvements are planned in two areas, including on a roughly 8-mile segment of I-19 between Pima Mine and Duval Mine roads in the communities of Green Valley and Sahuarita. That $12.1 million project includes replacing the bridge deck at Sahuarita Road, also known as Helmet Peak Road. At the same time, a $17.2 million project will improve nearly 11 miles of pavement between Tubac and Arivaca Road.

While drivers can look forward to an improved surface  on I-19 by the end of the year, motorists should plan ahead for additional travel time on this busy highway that links Tucson to Nogales.

Preliminary work is already underway on the projects, with paving and restrictions scheduled to begin on Thursday, Feb. 11, at the U.S. Border Patrol station north of Tubac. The work at the Border Patrol station is expected to take several weeks as crews replace the asphalt pavement with concrete. Drivers should expect delays during paving operations.

Also starting Feb. 11, southbound I-19 will be narrowed to one lane near the Border Patrol station for about two months. Motorists should expect delays.

Both projects will include new guardrail along with new signs and lane stripes.

Drivers heading through the work zones should budget extra travel time and expect delays while being guided through the alternating lane closures. The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph in limited cases.

The projects are expected to be completed by early 2022. For more information about the projects visit, Helmet Peak Traffic Interchange at Sahuarita Road/Interstate 19 Pima Mine to Duval Mine Road and I-19 Tubac to Arivaca.