New intersection opens in San Luis

SAN LUIS, Ariz., - A newly completed intersection at 10th Avenue and County 22nd Street should help ease congestion on the border city's north end, says the project's contractor.

The crossing will give residents easier access when traveling between the east and northwest ends of the city, as well as serve as a "vent valve" that will draw traffic away from heavily traveled Juan Sanchez Boulevard, said Nieves Riedel, whose company, Riedel Construction, completed the project for the city.

The nearly three-month construction project was wrapped up about a week ago at a cost of $370,000.

After the development of Las Quintas subdivision, the commitment was to build that intersection, but for several reason it took years to do," she said. "The problem had to do with the long process the city had to go through to get federal right-of-way permits - it was eight years of waiting."

Residents of Las Quintas and the Los Alamos subdivisions and those motorists heading from the the east to the northwest side are the main beneficiaries, she said. The intersection also will help motorists traveling on Juan Sanchez, particularly in the fall and winter months as that boulevard becomes more congested at the height of the agricultural season and with traffic going to and from area schools.

Karin Meza, spokeswoman for the city of San Luis, Ariz., said the city contributed $150,000 toward the project, while Riedel, whose company has built subdivisions served by the intersection, put up the balance.

"Those who live in the eastern part of the city will be able to travel to Yuma, go to the San Luis High School or go to the shopping complex where Walmart is located, without having to use the Juan Sanchez Boulevard," Meza said.