I-10 Expansion Project: Back on Track

TXDOT tells Abc-7 another company will take over the I-10 expansion project and it should be completed on time.

Work began in April on I-10 between Resler and Executive. The state is building new ramps, more lanes and even access roads.

TXDOT’s District Engineer, Bob Bielek tells Abc-7, the project is still a go. In a couple of weeks, crews will be out and construction will continue.

“It’s good news for El Pasoans because we need a bigger freeway, obviously,” West side commuter Sal Montelongo said.

“The target is to get people out working by July 6th and July 13th,” TXDOT District Engineer, Bob Bielek said.

Construction came to a screeching halt after the original contractor, Tradeco Infrastructure, unexpectedly pulled out of the $154-million dollar project.

TXDOT officials would not comment on why the Mexican-based company pulled out, but did they say they do have a plan in place.

The surety contractor, Zurich, will take over as general contractor. They will then assign a completion contractor and get crews back on the streets.

“They’re required to finish project for original price within original timeline,” Bielek said.

Drivers can breathe another sigh of relief, because TXDOT was running ahead of schedule, Bielek says the completion date will remain the same.

“We don’t believe this delay of 3-4 weeks will change completion time of project,” Bielek said.

“Without the delay, it’ll be a good thing, at least all the construction will be constructed as accordingly, it’ll alleviate that congestion for them,” Ray Hernandez said.

TXDOT everything is still set to be finished by February of 2019.