The two border states said Friday they are expanding the border crossing at Lukeville, Ariz./Sonoyta, Mexico to help ease long lines and traffic jams. The border crossing is on the main route to Rocky Point, a popular vacation destination about four hours southwest of Phoenix.
The expansion will cost $2.5 million and is expected to be completed next year, with additional lanes and inspection stations put in to accommodate traffic, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano’s office announced Friday.
Mexican border areas have seen violence between rival drug cartels and drug cartels battling with Mexican police and the Mexican Army. The U.S. State Department has issued travel alerts for tourists and travelers headed to Nogales, Tijuana, Juarez and other Mexican border towns. Rocky Point is not on that travel warning list.
Napolitano will soon be leaving her post to become U.S. Homeland Security Secretary in the Obama administration.