Pellicano Drive construction phase 1 set for completion by December

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- For six years, lane closures and orange signs have been a common sight with construction along Pellicano Drive in El Paso. The project may be reaching a new milestone after changing contractors in 2023.

In 2017, El Paso County entered into an agreement with the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA) to design and construct the Pellicano Drive Widening Project. The project scope includes reconstructing the existing road into a 6-lane road, according to CRRMA.

The project was originally slated to begin construction in 2019 with completion set for 2022, according to CRRMA.

However, multiple delays occurred in the project, including the original contractor, J.A.R. Construction, filing for bankruptcy in March 2023. This led to CRRMA reporting that only 50% of all construction had been completed as of April 2025, nearly six years after construction started.

CRRMA told ABC-7 Wednesday that Phase One of the project is expected to be completed "ahead of schedule," with a target set for this December.

Meanwhile, the adjusted "Phase Two" has yet to receive key approvals from the county, with an estimated cost of around $30 million, according to CRRMA. It's about an $8 million increase from an estimate conducted three years ago.

"It's a result of the delays and the increase in all pricing," CRRMA Executive Director Raymond Telles told ABC-7 Wednesday.

However, when it comes to "Phase One," one key intersection expected to be completed along Pellicano is at Mission Ridge Boulevard.

For some businesses, including Pepe's Barbershop, the construction acted as a roadblock.

Brian Romero opened up shop on Pellicano in July 2017, the same year CRRMA went into agreement with the county.

"Honestly, it's all a big blur. It's been six and a half years, man," Romero said Wednesday. "We've been through a lot with these constructions."

Romero said the construction tested some of his customers' loyalty.

"They didn't want to come back," he said. "I'm really hopeful that things are going to be better for everybody commuting wise."

He hopes the completed project will attract more customers and bring opportunity not just for his, but for other businesses.

"That intersection is the floodgates, man," Romero said. "People are going to be able to commute through here comfortably. That's some hopeful news."