Newly paved road in Socorro remains unused by drivers

A new road that will give easier access to residents in Socorro is set to open soon, but it has seen it share of delays.

Nuevo Hueco Tanks Boulevard is an extension of Eastlake Blvd., south of Interstate 10.

There has been talk about paving what was once a makeshift dirt road since 2007 and just now it is becoming a reality.

The new extension is newly-paved, has sidewalks, a bike lane and lighting. The only thing missing now is the traffic.

El Paso County Commissioner Vince Perez said the project is in its final stages and scheduled to open in July.

“There were a few minor issues with the road, that are normal in these type of construction projects, but the contractor is working on those as we speak,” Perez said.

A majority of the project was paid for by federal funding, which is why Perez said it has taken longer to open.

Perez said it is a “rigorous process” because the road has to meet strict guidelines.

Perez said the plan is to “hopefully” make Nuevo Hueco Tanks Blvd. a state road. That would mean the Texas Department of Transportation would handle the maintenance.

If Nuevo Hueco Tanks does not become a state road, Socorro taxpayers would have to foot the bill of annual maintenance costs.

“A challenge we often face with roads is that there’s a shortage of funding. There’s been a diminishing amount of state and federal dollars, so it makes it much more difficult to plan,” Perez said.

Perez said Nuevo Hueco Tanks Blvd. is expected to open in July.