SANTA ROSA — Having to weave past Parker Road potholes to save the vehicle’s suspension is a thing of the past.
Cameron County Commissioner Gus Ruiz precinct 4 said, weather permitting, the overhaul of Parker Road will be completed in a month or less.
He said everyone should have a smooth drive down Parker Road soon.
County construction crews have been working since last August to repave Parker Road in two phases.
“It’s a perfect example as to how the county and municipality can work together,” Ruiz said.
Over the years, there had been a struggle between the city and county to fix Parker Road.
But this year, the city and county were able to work together to repair the highly used road.
Ruiz said the city agreed to pay half of the costs for the road project on the south side of Parker Road totaling $65,676 and the county matched the other half of the cost for the road repairs.
Cameron County also paid for the entire construction of the road on Parker Road’s north side worth $135,000.
“For many years, Parker Road has been in much need of improvements and repairs,” said Jaime Quiroga, Santa Rosa alderman.
“The road services the northeast quadrant of Santa Rosa and runs alongside the Elma E. Barrera Elementary and nearby neighborhoods.”
The first part of the repaving was done on the north part of Parker Road, owned by Cameron County.
“It was the main thing the city wanted help with,” Ruiz said. “And the project is moving along faster than I expected.”
The division of ownership of the southern part required county and city to come to an agreement, therefore splitting the cost.
Quiroga said the road improvements will now allow safer travels for Santa Rosa citizens, town visitors and school bus drivers.
“Parker Road indeed was in need of repair, and now our Santa Rosa residents can enjoy the lack of potholes and cruise right along the newly improved road,” Quiroga said.
The road improvement may also encourage others to look into the area and possibly choose to make Santa Rosa home and improve the quality of life according to Quiroga.
“It took some time, but Cameron County improved the northern part of the road while both Cameron County and the City of Santa Rosa made improvements to the southern part,” Quiroga said.
