Traffic jams in Nogales could receive much needed relief

The congested Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales could be getting a much needed make over at the Arizona-Mexico border.

Apr 28, 2016, 5:15 AM

(Maricopa Association of Governments Photo)

The congested Mariposa Port of Entry in Nogales could be getting a much needed make over at the Arizona-Mexico border.

“Mexico is Arizona’s largest international trading partner,” said Scottsdale mayor and Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Chair Jim Lane. “Nearly 3 million northbound vehicles come through the port each year.”

On Wednesday, the MAG Regional Council voted unanimously to support a grant application being submitted by the Arizona Department of Transportation for a Tiger (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery VIII) grant.

“The $25 million sought through the grant would be used to accelerate a project to help resolve congested freight traffic at the interchange of SR189 and I19,” he said.

The plan to build a flyover so trucks could go straight from State Route 189 onto Interstate 19 could be constructed three years earlier if the feds approved the grant.

“Right now that intersection is a series of traffic lights that lends itself considerable traffic congestion and delay,” Lane said.

Federal transportation officials say around 60 percent of the nation’s winter produce comes through that port.