If you live in far East El Paso, you probably know the struggle of driving down Pellicano Drive! For years, orange cones, construction delays and changing traffic patterns have made this busy roadway a headache for drivers, myself included!

I’ve lived in the area since construction began, so I’ve watched this project drag on for what feels like forever. To put things into perspective, my son was around 9 years old when the construction started, and now he’s practically a grown adult at 16! 

At some point, I was even beginning to wonder if I would ever see the day when construction would finally be completed. Well, that day finally came!!! …Well, kinda. 

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Read More: Could This TX Construction Nightmare Finally Be Over?!

Honestly, I avoided Pellicano Drive whenever I could. But one day, I had to take that route, and I was pleasantly surprised to see fewer orange cones and more lanes open. It was one of those moments when you do a double take and think, “Wait, is Pellicano actually getting finished?” 

On Thursday, El Paso County officially unveiled the first phase of the Pellicano Drive Widening Project, bringing residents one step closer to that long-awaited reality. *Cries happy tears*

The three-mile project stretches from Loop 375 to Darrington Road and includes six lanes, raised medians, bike lanes, new traffic control equipment and a drainage pond designed to improve water management in the area.

But getting here was no easy ride. The project was originally scheduled to begin in 2019 and wrap up in 2022. Multiple setbacks pushed the timeline back, including the original contractor, J.A.R. Construction, filing for bankruptcy in March 2023. By April 2025, only about 50% of the work had been completed.

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Read More: No Relief In Sight For Pellicano Construction Nightmare

The Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA), which oversaw the project’s design, reported in September that Phase One was ahead of schedule, with a December completion deadline.

There’s still more work ahead. Phase Two is awaiting key county approvals and is estimated to cost around $30 million, approximately $8 million more than an estimate made three years ago. (Dang!)

For East El Paso drivers, the progress is encouraging. After years of detours and construction headaches, the finish line for Phase One is finally in sight. And for those of us who have been avoiding Pellicano whenever possible? Fewer cones and more lanes are definitely a welcome sight! I CAN FINALLY SEE THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE PELLICANO TUNNEL!!

PHOTOS: After Years of Orange Cones, Is Pellicano Finally Seeing the Finish Line

The Pellicano Drive widening project brings six lanes, raised medians and bike lanes to East El Paso.

Gallery Credit: Iris Lopez

 

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