ABC-7 Xtra: What lessons were learned, what’s next after I-10 closure
Although the fiery semi crashed that shut down a portion of I-10 Thursday happened in the Downtown area, it affected roadways all throughout El Paso.
The crash, which damaged a water and gas utility bridge, occurred on 1-10 near Kansas and Stanton at around 1:30 pm. After police and TxDOT crews arrived at the scene, the freeway was shut down in both directions.
For about seven hours, I-10 traffic heading eastbound was being diverted at Executive, while westbound traffic was being exited at the US 54 exit. It wasn’t until about 9 pm that freeway traffic was being diverted to exits closer to the incident.
On Friday night, while the closure continued, TxDOT confirmed that the freeway would remained closed until Saturday morning.
The near two-day closure caused impatience and even dangerous driving habits in El Paso roadways.
TxDOT cameras showed some drivers backing up on I-10 near Shuster to avoid the closure that was up ahead.
Drivers were forced to find alternative routes causing an uprise in traffic in city streets and even residential areas.
On ABC-7 Xtra, host Saul Saenz will speak with TxDOT chief engineer, Bob Bielek, and Alberto Sanchez from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute on the lessons learned and what’s up ahead after the incident.
If you were affected by this closure you can call us at 915-496-1771 to voice your opinion on the issue or email us at kvia.abc7xtra@kvia.com. ABC-7 Xtra starts at 10:35 pm Sunday.
