TxDOT holds hearing for proposed I-10 Connect Project

Update:

Bob Bielek, the El Paso District Engineer made an official presentation in front of community members today. He gave the community an opportunity to raise any concerns they may have.

Bielek saying, “The reason that we set all of this up in the hallway is so that people can still get answers if they still have questions or suggestions for us.”

Bielek telling ABC 7 that TX-Dot has already been listening to the publics concerns and making changes to the plan as they go,”so we’ve developed this so we don’t touch the Lincoln center or the Amphitheater,” Bielek said.

Before the official presentation community members were able to put on virtual reality goggles to get a 3-D view of what the proposed project will look like.

Bielek also explained part of the proposed plan. “We are completely redoing that Paisano interstate 110 interchange, so that they (Semi-Trucks) will no longer cross (through neighborhoods) they’ll stay on I-10 and get on 110 and go directly into the inspection facility.”

After the official presentation members of the community were able to voice their concerns about the project. Some members feel the project is perfect the way that it is.

Enrique Rolden told ABC 7 “I think its gonna be a great project for the community and relieve a lot fo the traffic we already have on I-10.”

Others still have questions, Scott White said he was concerned about foot traffic. “One of the things I’m always looking at is making sure that we actually provide the safe access.”

Those types of concerns, Bielek said, TX-DOT takes very seriously. “All transportation facilities have to serve the public, so we try very very hard to get facilities that will serve all of the publics interest.” Bielek said.

Bielek also telling ABC 7 that if a major concern is raised, TX-DOT will make adjustments to the plan. therwise, the I-10 connect project will begin in early 2019.
The project will cost between $90 – $100 Million and will be funded by the gas tax.

Original Story:

TX Dot will hold a public hearing for the I-10 Connect Project today at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

The proposed project will add ramps, auxiliary lanes, and direct connectors between I-10, I-110, us 54, and Loop 375 (Cesar Chavez Border Highway). It will also widen existing ramps.

The proposed project will aim to improve mobility and address congestion on the existing roadway network.

“I-10 Connect is a critical component in our local highway system,” said El Paso District Engineer Bob Bielek. “it will improve mobility and address congestion on the existing roadway network. We have all seen I-110 congestion as vehicles head into Juarez. This project addresses the mobility issues and also addresses air quality and safety concerns brought up by the community regarding commercial traffic impacting the surrounding neighborhoods by eliminating access to the Port of Entry from Paisano.

The community will hear about the planned improvements during the hearing, and will be able to comment on the proposed project.

The public hearing is be held after project location and design studies have been developed and are held in order to hear the communities comments and concerns. Those comments and concerns will be made part of the official public record prior to the final decision.

TX-DOT plans to begin construction on the I-10 connect project in 2019.

ABC 7 will be at the hearing and bring you the latest on the Proposed I-10 project.

Tune into ABC 7 at 10:00.