Tucson, Ariz. - Border Patrol agents are now conducting inspection operations at the Interstate 19 interim checkpoint at mile post 25 near Green Valley, Ariz., which officially opened at 11 p.m. Sunday.
The $1.5 million checkpoint brings direct benefits for the Border Patrol and the public. As motorists approach the site, they will probably first notice a large canopy encompassing the entire checkpoint. The frame-styled canopy is designed to withstand winds of up to 100 miles per hour, and will provide shelter from the harsh desert sun and other elements.
Previously, Nogales agents conducted inspections by working two lanes of I-19 at an underpass, and an off-ramp lane. The new checkpoint consolidates efforts by expanding the inspection area to three highway lanes and eliminating the need for agents to operate an off-ramp. This increase in efficiency will improve the flow of traffic and decrease the waiting time for motorists. The new site also provides a larger area for secondary inspections, which is safer for the agents and the public.
"Checkpoints are critical to the Border Patrol's 'Defense-in-Depth Strategy' for protecting our nation's borders," said Tucson Sector's Chief Patrol Agent Victor M. Manjarrez, Jr. "During construction, the Border Patrol worked closely with local communities and businesses to ensure the project would have minimum impact."
This Customs and Border Protection project was administered by the United States Army Corp of Engineers and built by MRM Construction Service Inc. The project began Jan. 4, 2010 and was completed within the allotted 90 construction days.