Gateway towers latest in El Paso’s freeway beautification project
Millions of drivers hit the road in Texas and across the country this holiday weekend.
Those who came through the Borderland may have noticed the latest improvements as part of a beautification project at the Spaghetti Bowl.
The four-phase project will total nearly $20 million in improvements once its completed. The latest phase is hoisting six towers into place around the interchange. But with upgrades like this sometimes comes graffiti.
“It takes the industrial look away from El Paso,” said TxDOT District Engineer Bob Bielek. “It makes the look of El Paso match the people of El Paso, very welcoming and friendly.”
Bielek said between 220,000 and 250,000 drivers pass through the area every day.
The latest additions are massive towers that many have been noticing.
“I think it’s amazing,” one woman told ABC-7.
The stars on top of the towers are reflective of the star on the mountain in El Paso. The windows in the towers will be filled with cut glass and illuminated from within. They will stand on huge pedestals about 70 to 100 feet in the air.
“They’re beautiful,” another driver said.
Ron Saenz, who has lived in the neighborhood for almost 40 years, said graffiti popped up in the area in just the past couple of days.
“Disgusting, that’s all I can say,” Saenz said. “Darn right disgusting.”
Even relatively minor graffiti offenses in Texas can become felonies if the damage exceeds $1,500. It’s punishable by 180 days to two years in a state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
“Something has got to be done about this,” Saenz said. “It’s been a problem for years now. I think (the improvements are) great, but the graffiti? I don’t know, its sickening, all i can tell you.”
To report graffiti, call the City of El Paso information line at 311.
Bielek said the final phase, expected to be completed by the fall, is installing new lighting that will illuminate the entire Spaghetti Bowl. Perhaps that will help keep graffiti from ever happening again in the area.
