The Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration invite the community to an open house to learn more about the current alternatives for the Interstate 19 east frontage road from Ruby Road to Rio Rico Drive in an effort to improve traffic flow, and meet current and future traffic needs in this area.
In 2012, ADOT and the Federal Highway Administration began working on a study to enhance traffic flow at the I-19 and Ruby Road traffic interchange and along the I-19 east frontage road from Ruby Road to Rio Rico Drive. The study has included collaboration with community representatives and jurisdictions, including the Rio Rico community, Santa Cruz County and the city of Nogales.
The study evaluated existing and projected peak-hour traffic operations and developed alternatives for potential capacity and operational improvements to accommodate forecasted growth through the year 2040.
The east frontage road provides sole access to a warehouse district that is used by commercial trucks transporting goods along U.S.-Mexico trade routes. Residential traffic and school buses are also present in the area, traveling between the east and west sides of I-19. During peak periods, traffic demand exceeds the capacity at the Ruby Road traffic interchange, causing congestion in the area.
At the open house, residents, business owners and stakeholders will get a chance to comment on and ask questions about the current alternatives for the project, view displays showing the project area, and talk with project team members who can address questions and concerns.
In order for any potential project to move forward, it 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.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 29
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (presentation at 5:30)
Location: Esplendor Resort at Rio Rico
1069 Camino Caralampi
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
Resort Phone: 520-281-1901