Grand Canyon Times

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has finalized an Environmental Assessment and Design Concept Report for a new roadway connecting a commercial port of entry in Douglas with State Route 80. The proposed route is approximately 4.5 miles west of the existing Raul Hector Castro International Port of Entry and follows the James Ranch Road.

The design plans for a four-lane divided highway spanning 1.4 miles. Estimated construction costs are $49 million, but ADOT intends to initially construct an interim configuration with one lane in each direction, expanding as funding permits.

ADOT's Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program proposes allocating $27 million to initiate the project by late 2026. The finalized assessment and report are available on the ADOT website. The selected roadway configuration, developed with community and stakeholder input, involves reconstructing a portion of SR 80 to improve drainage, revamping the intersection of SR 80 and James Ranch Road with new turn lanes and a traffic signal, and constructing two roundabouts on the new road.

Efforts are underway to secure additional funding before construction begins, including applying for federal grants. The roadway is scheduled to open in 2028, coinciding with the new land port of entry's opening on 80 acres donated by the City of Douglas to the General Services Administration. This project, coordinated with the General Services Administration, City of Douglas, and Cochise County, aims to ease downtown Douglas congestion and enhance safety, access, and travel efficiency.

The Environmental Assessment and Design Concept Report, including a Finding of No Significant Impact, allows ADOT to proceed with the project's design and construction. Public outreach will be conducted during the final design phase, with opportunities for public input.