TXDOT: Expect four construction projects to affect traffic over the next four years
The Texas Department of Transportationannounced Tuesday, El Paso residents can expect four projects to affect traffic over the next four years.
In addition to the Go-10 project at Executive Center and the Border West Expressway project at Paisano, TXDOT plans on working on an underpass at Transmountain Road and a frontage road between the Montecillo development of I-10.
The Go-10 project is the reconstruction of I-10 between Executive Center Blvd. and North Mesa exits. It will have collector-distributor lanes, like frontage roads, only they use a higher speed. It also adds lanes to I-10 in both directions and it creates ramps and overpasses at Sunland Park, Resler and North Mesa Street. This project is connects with the second project the Border West Expressway. It’s estimated to be complete by 2019.
The Border West Expressway will connect Paisano with Loop 375. TXDOT said it will provide an alternate route for I-10 to help with the flow of traffic. It has four-lanes, some of which will be tolled. TXDOT is also building multi-ramp interchanges connecting Executive Center and Spur 1966. It’s estimated to be completed by Fall of 2017.
Within the next four years, TXDOT will also build an underpass at the Franklin State Park at Transmountain. That will start construction in January. Then a large development planned behind Montecillo will provide TXDOT with dirt fill, which will be used as foundation for the frontage roads.
“The way you deal with {traffic backup}, very simply, take a look at your trips, try to combine your trips,” said TXDOT District Engineer Bob Bielek. “Go when the best time to go is, and get two or three things done at once. If you’re going to work, if you can leave a half hour early.”
Bielek said that will mitigate the peak traffic periods that really slow things down.
For help out go to www.go10elpaso.com It’s a central location to find out everything that’s happening on I-10 between Executive Center and North Mesa Street, including tweets, maps and traffic alerts. A smart phone app that provides alerts and alternative routes is expected next year.
