El Paso residents who have endured six years of lane closures and orange construction signs along Pellicano Drive can look forward to relief. The Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA) announced that Phase 1 of the road‑widening project is slated to be completed “ahead of schedule” with a target date of December 2026.
Project background and setbacks
In 2017, El Paso County entered into an agreement with CRRMA to design and construct a six‑lane thoroughfare along Pelican Drive. The original schedule called for construction to begin in 2019 and be finished by 2022. However, the effort ran into multiple setbacks, most notably the bankruptcy filing of the original contractor, J.A.R. Construction, in March 2023. By April 2025, CRRMA reported that only half of the work had been completed, nearly six years after the project started.
Phase 1 progress and upcoming completion
CRRMA Executive Director Raymond Telles told ABC‑7 that the agency has accelerated work on Phase 1, which includes reconstructing the existing roadway and completing the key intersection at Mission Ridge Boulevard. “It’s a result of the delays and the increase in all pricing,” Telles explained, noting that the cost of Phase 2 has risen by about $8 million to an estimated $30 million.
Local business owners are hopeful that the finished road will bring new traffic and customers. Brian Romero, who opened Pepe’s Barbershop on Pelican Drive in July 2017, described the prolonged construction as a “big blur” that tested his customers’ loyalty. “They didn’t want to come back,” he said, adding that he is optimistic the completed intersection will act as a “floodgate” for commuters and boost business for the entire corridor.
What Phase 2 looks like
While Phase 1 moves toward a December finish, Phase 2 remains pending key county approvals. The second phase will extend the improvements further along Pelican Drive and is expected to cost roughly $30 million, reflecting inflation and the higher prices of construction materials since the project’s inception.
Community members and business owners alike are watching the developments closely, recognizing that a fully functional six‑lane road could improve travel times, reduce congestion, and attract new investment to the area.
Looking ahead
The upcoming completion of Phase 1 underscores the importance of perseverance in local infrastructure projects. As El Paso continues to grow, reliable transportation corridors like Pelican Drive are essential for supporting families, businesses, and the broader community.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
