TXDoT begins study to improve I-10 mobility

The Texas Department of Transportation is getting started on a study called Reimagine I-10 that will look at the infrastructure of Interstate 10 and how to improve mobility from the New Mexico State line to Tornillo in far east El Paso County.

Bob Bielek, district engineer for TXDoT, said some of the study will be divided into four segments:

– New Mexico state line to Executive Center Blvd.

– Executive Center to U.S. 54

– U.S. 54 to Loop 375 Americas interchange

– Loop 375 (Americas) to Tornillo

The study will focus on I-10’s pavement, bridges and overpasses, and how to make access easier for drivers onto I-10.

Bielek said from Mesa to Copia on I-10 there are no frontage roads and during a motor vehicle accident it ties up traffic, leaving drivers with no way off of I-10.

The study is expected to take fifteen months and TXDoT will need the community’s input.

“If they’re not vocal, we don’t get the message,” Bielek said.

A series of meetings will be held for residents to voice their opinions to better improve I-10.

Bielek said drivers can expect for construction to continue for many years to come.

“People need to understand that when you have a mountain that comes through the middle of town, when you only have 1,200 feet from the tip of UTEP to the border, when you have two mainline railroads and an interstate highway, there are limited opportunities,” Bielek said.

Below is the list of scheduled community meetings open to the public:

– Wednesday, July 26
Vinton Town Hall, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
(I-10 from the N.M. state line to Executive Center Blvd.)

– Thursday, July 27
UTEP Physical Plant, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
(I-10 from Executive Center to U.S. 54)

– Tuesday, August 8, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Rio Vista Community Center, 901 N. Rio Vista Rd.
(Loop 375 Americas Interchange to FM 3380 Aguilera International Highway)

– Wednesday, August 9, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
El Paso Multipurpose Recreation Center, 9031 Viscount Blvd.
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
(I-10 from U.S. 54 to Loop 375 Americas interchange)

For more information, click here.