Official talks about aerial tramway project in El Paso’s Franklin Mountains

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Today, ABC-7 is interviewing CRRMA Executive Director Raymond Telles about the effort to develop an aerial tramway at Franklin Mountains State Park.

The El Paso Times recently reported that a new $36 million tramway is in the works that would replace the old Wyler Aerial Tramway.

The El Paso Times reported that the new tramway is expected to be built near the location of the old tramway. The Wyler Aerial Tramway has not been operating since 2018 after the tramway was deemed not safe for public use.

Telles says "it means a lot to this community, just from hearing the wedding stories, the engagements that have happened up there and then students that have gone up there over the years and seen El Paso in a different way."

State Senator Cesar Blanco says $20 million in funding has already been approved and they will request more funding durning the next legislative session.

Telles says that because the park is state funded and they don't have all the funds, they may have an interim period, where they would open the bottom on the tramway to the public.

During this time visitors will be able enjoy the picnic stations, beautiful views and valuable information provided by Texas park rangers.

• Phase 1: Road expansion, adding picnic stations and a small amphitheater for park rangers to share information
• Phase 2: New visitor center at the base station, new observation station at the top, on the ridge of the mountain.
• Phase 3: Adding the tramway

Another major change is the location on the tramway. Telles says the tramway will be moving north up the Franklin mountain. The reason for this relocation is to give visitors space to look around and enjoy the view of 3 states and 2 countries.

At this time there is no set date for when the Aerial Tramway will open, but as always ABC 7 will keep you updated as we learn more.