El Paso County Commissioners vote to send letter to TxDOT over Downtown 10 concerns

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso County commissioners narrowly voted Monday to send a letter to the Texas Department of Transportation expressing concerns over the proposed “Downtown 10” project, which would widen Interstate 10 through the heart of the city.

The 3–2 vote calls for TxDOT to extend the public comment period, which is currently set to end Oct. 14, and to address local concerns about potential displacement and pedestrian safety.

TxDOT says the goal of the Downtown 10 project is to relieve traffic congestion and upgrade aging infrastructure between Executive Center Boulevard and Copia Street. However, the agency’s current preferred construction plan could displace four multi-family residential buildings and 11 non-residential structures.

El Paso County Commissioner Iliana Holguin, who voted in favor of sending the letter, said she wants more time for community feedback.

“The more residents, the more organizations, the more entities that have an opportunity to comment on this hugely impactful project — the better,” Holguin said.

Resident Vicki Hamilton also raised safety concerns about proposed access roads around the construction area.

“People in our areas are going to be left with fast-moving roads and elevated highways in their front doors,” Hamilton said.

County Judge Ricardo Samaniego voted against sending the letter, arguing that the decision to widen the freeway has already been made.

“I believe the comments on the options took some time before, and that was the option period,” Samaniego said. “Now we’re looking at the impact of that decision.”

In a statement, TxDOT spokesperson Lauren Macias-Cervantes said the agency has welcomed public input on the project since 2019.

“We are aware of the vote taken today at Commissioners Court regarding Downtown 10. We have been receiving feedback on it since 2019 and welcome comments,” Macias-Cervantes said. “The project team will review all comments received during the comment period, assess their feasibility for incorporation into the design, develop responses, and incorporate applicable responses in the Preferred Alternative and Final Environmental Impact Statement.”

Members of the public can submit comments through Oct. 14. Project materials are available on TxDOT’s website at txdot.gov.