CRRMA approves contractor for first phase of Wyler Tramway reconstruction

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- International Eagle Enterprises, Inc. will handle the first phase of the Wyler Tramway reconstruction project.

The Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority approved the company's construction bid during a meeting Wednesday morning.

"We were having 40, 45, 50 thousand people ride the tram every year and enjoy the views of Ranger Peak," Texas State Parks director Rodney Franklin said of the tramway's past popularity.

"We had to do a feasibility study to determine how we would move forward."

The first phase of construction includes an amphitheater, parking lot expansion, sun shelter, ADA improvements and updating some of the existing facilities.

"We wanted to have, in this first phase, something usable for the community as well, to go out, and enjoy the outdoors," Franklin added.

"Having some trails and having some picnic areas and having a place to do educational programs fit that bill."

Earlier this year, the El Paso state delegation secured 20 million dollars for the project's initial phase.

The approved bid, from El Paso based International Eagle Enterprises came in around 15.8 million.

Franklin said that once this part of the project is complete, some of the amenities may be open for the public to enjoy.

"We did want to make sure that, if need be, and if we were able to, we would allow the public to enjoy that space while we while we contemplate phase two," he said.

Construction on this first phase of the project could begin as soon as January 2025, and be complete as soon as September 2026, if all goes according to plan.

The El Paso Community Foundation is overseeing the reconstruction, in partnership with the CRRMA and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The tramway has been closed since 2018 after a study found it had passed its life expectancy, and was no longer safe or suitable for public use.