The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is setting the stage for improved traffic flow and safety near the border town of Douglas, as it has completed an Environmental Assessment and Design Concept Report for a new connector road. This road will bridge the gap between a forthcoming commercial port of entry and State Route 80. According to a recent announcement by ADOT, the chosen path will run alongside the existing James Ranch Road, approximately 4.5 miles west of the current Raul Hector Castro International Port of Entry.
The project's initial phase promises a two-lane divided highway, laying the groundwork for what will eventually become a full four-lane divided arterial. The estimated price tag to reach the full vision stands at around $49 million, but for now, ADOT is moving ahead, with a planned investment of $27 million to start the construction in late 2026. Details of the ADOT Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program, which includes the project, are posted publicly for anyone who wishes to review and comment.
Funding strategies are still a work in progress for ADOT, as the department explores various avenues, including federal grants and earmarks, to cover the entire cost needed before the projected start date. An open portal for public outreach and input will be established during the final design process of the land port of entry. The goal is to create a new vein of infrastructure that bypasses downtown Douglas congestion, enhancing overall travel efficiency and bolstering the region’s economic transportation network.
Set to conclude in 2028, the roadway will complement the new land port of entry occupying an 80-acre parcel donated by the City of Douglas to the General Services Administration. Working in concert with both the General Services Administration and local authorities, ADOT moves ahead, armed with a “Finding of No Significant Impact,” finalizing the environmental concerns and giving green light to continue toward the construction phase of the project.
