TxDOT hosts public meetings for feedback on improving Alameda Ave

The Texas Department of Transportation is embarking on a major project to improve Alameda Avenue from downtown El Paso to Tornillo, Texas.

Before any construction can begin on the 35-mile stretch, TXDOT has to do its research to identify the needs of Alameda Ave.

TXDOT started the Alameda Corridor Study in 2017.

This TXDOT is hosting a round of public meetings to get feedback from community members who live and commute along Alameda.

“This is the second round of public meetings, we already have some ideas that people gave us the first time around. So people will be able to specifically look at eighteen intersections along those 35 miles,” said Lauren Macias-Cervantes, TXDOT spokeswoman.

Current construction projects on Alameda are focusing on operational improvements and pedestrian safety.

TXDOT emphasizes the study looks at short term and longer term goals, some that could be implemented over the next twenty years.

“Once that study is complete then it’s looking at prioritizing projects, we have to secure funding and each of those projects has to go through its own approval process,” Macias-Cervantes said.

The study is expected to be complete this summer, according to Macias-Cervantes.

Past community meetings have shown TXDOT that residents are concerned about pedestrian safety, street flooding and congestion and the City of El Paso is looking to expand on economic impact along Alameda.

“We’ve taken a look at the heavy traffic and vehicle use of the corridor in some of the outer areas like Tornillo where you might be sharing the road with a tractor,” Macias-Cervantes said.

A public meeting will held Wednesday at Ascarate Elementary School from 5-7 p.m., located at 7090 Alameda Ave.

On Thursday, the meeting will be held at Aoy Elementary School from 5-7 p.m., located at 901 S. Campbell St.

The meetings will be an open house format staffed by engineers, planners, and staff working on the study who can answer questions in English or Spanish.

If you can’t attend the meetings, you can still offer feedback online.