Researchers looking at traffic solutions for I-10 in El Paso

Some drivers wonder why there isn’t a dedicated truck driver lane on 1-10 through El Paso. Turns out that is one of the options being looked at by traffic researchers for some of the larger cities in Texas.

Sergio Trejo travels I-10 through West El Paso about twice a week. He’s all too familiar with the construction happening on the interstate. “It’s been a little hectic but you have to be patient, it’s still flowing,” Trejo said.

Fidel Rodriguez is another driver who is being extra careful while driving on I-10. “Because of the barriers you have that protect the construction workers, it’s kind of narrow,” said Rodriguez.

But it’s work TX-DOT officials needs to happen. Back in 2014, some 60,000 vehicles traveled eastbound through 1-10 at Resler in 24 hours. Approximately 66,000 vehicles moved westbound.

Jeff Shelton is a program manager for the Texas A& M Transportation Institute in El Paso. He is watching the construction along 1-10 closely.

“TX-DOT is reducing a lane in each direction right now and that’s just for safety reasons,” Shelton said.

Driver Vickie Laferriere has her own take on the I-10 construction. “It’s horrible. You can’t get through it. You would be stuck in it for over an hour. Literally you are not going anywhere. And it’s taking like so long for them to get it done. It’s making it a hassle where you can’t even get around on the westside at all,” said Laferriere.

Shelton is looking at ways to ease El Paso’s traffic. Options include off-peak freight deliveries, advanced traveler information such as signs and dedicated truck lanes. The last though is not an easy task.

“If they want to build another lane just for trucks, they would probably have to acquire more right of way to build another lane, and that’s a huge investment for I-10. And on the east side, there is nothing you can steal. You can’t make it any wider. There is no room,” said Shelton.

Shelton uses free navigation on his cellphone apps like the ABC 7 Stormtrack weather app. It will help get you through traffic in El Paso, Las Cruces and all of the Borderland. Once you download the app for free at the Apple and Android stores, you will see the traffic feature at the bottom of the welcome screen.