Utility bridge repairs underway; I-10 closure expected in 2 weeks

The work continues to repair a utility bridge that was damaged last week after the driver of a semi-truck crashed into it.

And El Paso drivers need to be prepared because those repairs will require a complete closure of I-10 in about 2 weeks.

The repairs will be collaborative effort between TXDOT and El Paso Electric (EPE).

EPE will need to do some re-wiring to make sure power isn’t affected in downtown El Paso.

Once utilities are rerouted, TXDOT will demolish the two existing beams over the westbound portion of I-10, place the new beams, and EPE will then reinstall the wires.

The demolition of the utility bridge will begin on August 15th.

Bob Bielek, TXDOT’s District Engineer, says drivers should try and avoid taking the I-10 to downtown El Paso if possible.

“Pick one of those alternative routes,” Bielek said. “We’ll be getting into nighttime closures and then probably 2 or 3 days that we’ll be shut down on I-10.”

George De La Torre with El Paso Electric tells ABC-7 the rewiring is already underway in preparation for the demolition.

Live wires are currently being removed and that means as a safety precaution drivers will be seeing some lane closures around the downtown area.

“These crews that are working right now are actually accessing these cables that are energized, so it’s very dangerous work,” De La Torre said. “It’s a lot of hard work, so we ask for everyone’s patience while we try to get this done.”

Wyoming from Mesa street to Stanton street will be closed until Monday and when it reopens lanes will be reduced.

Starting Monday, one lane will be closed on the following streets.

Yandell from Mesa to Stanton and Stanton from Wyoming to Yandell.