During a recent work session held by Cochise County officials, significant discussions centered around the ongoing development of key roadways, particularly James Ranch Road, which serves as a vital access point to the commercial port of entry. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is currently working on the final design of this project, which has a budget of $27.5 million, but requires an additional $20 million to complete.

A point of contention arose regarding the initial design plans that included two roundabouts, which were projected to increase the overall cost to $87 million. However, county officials clarified that the current design will not feature roundabouts, as the access point for the General Services Administration (GSA) facility has been relocated to the northeast corner of the property. This change has led to a simplified design with four lanes of traffic—two lanes for inbound and two for outbound traffic.

Officials acknowledged the confusion stemming from outdated communications sent to local residents, which still referenced the roundabout design. To address this, the county plans to issue a correction letter to inform the community of the updated design, ensuring that residents are accurately informed about the project’s progress and specifications.

This development is crucial for local residents, as it directly impacts traffic flow and access to essential services in the area. The county's proactive approach to communication aims to keep the community engaged and informed as these infrastructure improvements move forward.