TXDOT proposes new construction project in far east El Paso

The Texas Department of Transportation is proposing a project that will expand Loop 375 between Montana Avenue and Spur 601.

Chief engineer Bob Bielek said that stretch of Loop 375 is “overloaded” with traffic and the project would “add capacity to the roadway.”

Bielek said the the congestion is attributed to the fast-growing eastside and the current infrastructure lacks sufficient capacity to accommodate projected growth.

The project calls for a 5.3-mile stretch of Loop 375 to be widened, making it a six-lane highway with three lanes in each direction.

Frontage roads will also be added in each direction.

Another trouble spot for drivers, a curve on Loop 375 just north of Montana Ave.

“The curve is designed for a slower speed than what most people are driving in that area. We’ll take this opportunity to flatten that curve out,” Bielek said.

The project also proposed to add connectors at Loop 375 and Spur 601.

“Traffic will impacted during construction so we will be setting up a process where we will build pieces of this so we can shift traffic,” Bielek said.

TX-DoT wants to add hike and bike trails along Loop 375.

Bielek said the construction would also help support any development on Fort Bliss and include post-specific needs like crossings for military tank drivers.

Construction is proposed to begin next year and will take two years.

TX-DoT will host a public hearing Tuesday evening to present its project at 6 p.m., public comment will begin at 7 p.m.

The hearing will be held at R.E.L. Washington Elementary School gymnasium at 3505 Lee Trevino Dr.