New TxDOT model would preserve Lincoln Center; opponents not satisfied

The Texas Department of Transportation revealed a new traffic model that would preserve the historic Lincoln Center in south central El Paso.

Originally, the state agency had said it needed to demolish the building in order to build a new freeway ramp near the Spaghetti Bowl. The latest proposal, the I-10 Connect Project, showed a new traffic model going around the Lincoln Center.

Opponents of this latest proposal, however, said freeway columns would be built too close to the center. Saul Armendariz wants TxDOT to reconsider the latest construction proposal. He’s happy his beloved Lincoln Center will not be demolished, but worried about the land surrounding the historic building.

“There has been blood, there’s been tears, there’s been a lot of offerings there and they want to step on that and take that away,” Armendariz said.

TxDOT came up with a couple of different options. Option nine, the proposal the state agency wants to go forward with, shows freeway columns in an area sometimes referred to as the amphitheater. Option 11 shows the columns being built farther away.

“Option 11 preserves our sacred lands, especially where the children hang out at Lincoln Park. And us, as Danzantes, that’s where we have our sacred ceremonies. That is where we do our naming ceremonies. That is where we celebrate every new year,” Armendariz said.

But TxDOT said the agency has done a lot of research into what would be safest for drivers. Bob Bielik is a district engineer for TxDOT’s El Paso District.

“Alternative 11 is similiar to nine, except that it doesn’t put an additional ramp through some of the park area. But that additional ramp cures what is effectively a fatal flaw to nine. And that is two back-to-back very short, weaving sections, which are dangerous,” Bielik said.

City Councilwoman Lily Limon was also at the TxDOT public meeting. She would like to see the department go with the proposal placing the freeway columns farther away from the Lincoln Center. It’s a plan she said also saves taxpayers money. But TxDOT says their priority is the safety of drivers, not saving money.