TUCSON, Ariz. -- Ina Road has opened over Interstate 10 in Marana, which is a major step toward completing a modern traffic interchange that is one of the Tucson area's largest road projects in years, says ADOT.
Traffic began taking Ina Road over I-10 and Union Pacific Railroad tracks early Thursday morning. One lane of Ina Road will be available in each direction and the speed limit will be 25 mph.
NOW OPEN:
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) March 14, 2019
Ina Road has just opened over I-10 in Marana. The ramps connecting Ina with I-10 are expected to open in the next few weeks.
More: https://t.co/SOYtfD2SsU#aztraffic#Marana#Tucson pic.twitter.com/0M3TFHxg05
"Before this $128 million project, Ina Road offered just two lanes under I-10, and drivers regularly had to wait for trains to pass. The new overpass will offer four lanes while eliminating the need to wait for trains, enhancing mobility and safety," ADOT said in a press release.
#NEW this morning on @kgun9 - the overpass at I-10 & Ina Rd. is FINALLY open after 2 years of work. Coming up - When other portions of the project are expected to be finished. pic.twitter.com/5YXUkVtil5
— Veronica Acosta (@VeronicacostaTV) March 14, 2019
Ina Road is the third major I-10 interchange replacement in Pima County.
Although one portion of the Ina Road and I-10 construction project opened up, business owners in the area say they continue holding their breath hoping business picks up soon.
"Business has slowed down even more. We're just waiting for the road to open up so we can start helping people again. Some people are finding it difficult or confusing to get here," said Paul Sandoval, the owner of Paul's Auto Repair.
Sandoval told KGUN9 before construction began he used to repair at least six vehicles a day, but because of all the construction he's down to repairing maybe six vehicles a week.
Sandoval, along with other business owners in the area are getting help from ADOT community relation employees when it comes to advertising for their business.
The community relations employees with ADOT give business owners different tips to better showcase their businesses and even teach them about different social media platforms that could be beneficial for them.
As for the remaining work of the Ina Road and I-10 construction project, an ADOT spokesperson told KGUN the on-ramp and off-ramp won't be open for several more weeks.
RELATED: Businesses ready for Ina Road Interchange project to come to an end
