EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso County and the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA) have made significant progress in restarting the Pellicano Drive Widening Project, despite ongoing legal disputes.

Construction has resumed on the westbound segment between Aircoupe and Loop 375, known as Phase 1, under Hawk Construction, the contractor appointed by the project’s surety company.

To facilitate the restart, the CRRMA negotiated an Interlocal Agreement with the county and a Takeover Agreement with the surety, both of which have been executed.

The Interlocal Agreement authorizes the use of $6 million in Vehicle Registration Fee (VRF) General Funds for the project. Phase 1 is now underway and is expected to be completed by September 2026.

Recent work includes clearing the project area, replacing traffic control devices, beginning construction on a detention pond near a local school, and preparing for roadway construction scheduled to start in December 2025. Phase 1 is anticipated to take one year, with full completion and reopening by September 2026.

Meanwhile, design work for Phase 2, covering the segment from Aircoupe to Darrington Road, is in progress and expected to be completed by December 2025. These plans will guide cost estimates and negotiations with the surety company to complete the entire Pellicano project.

To keep the community informed, the CRRMA is mailing postcards to approximately 2,000 households and businesses within half a mile of the project site. The postcards will provide updates on the project’s restart and include a QR code directing the public to www.crrma.org for further information.

The Pellicano Drive Widening Project, extending from Loop 375 to Darrington Rd., is a major infrastructure initiative featuring enhancements like six divided lanes, raised medians, and bike lanes.

The project faced setbacks when the original contractor, J.A.R. Construction, Inc., defaulted and filed for bankruptcy. In July 2025, El Paso County approved an agreement to use $6 million in VRF General Funds to address a Phase 1 funding shortfall, following an April 2025 bankruptcy court ruling that upheld the CRRMA’s decision to default the contractor.

RELATED: Pellicano Drive widening in East El Paso resumes with $6M boost to complete phase 1

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