EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — An exit from Loop 375 Border West Expressway into Downtown that has been closed is now open, the Texas Department of Transportation said.
The Oregon Street exit reopened on Monday afternoon, Feb. 5, the agency said.
“The exit will create greater mobility in the area, allowing motorists to exit 375 westbound at Downtown, and to enter Loop 375 westbound from Downtown at Oregon Street. The intersection will be right-in, right-out, meaning no left turns out of Downtown. Drivers who wish to go east on LP 375 Border Highway are advised to continue to use the Paisano/Coles interchange,” according to a news release sent out by TxDOT.
How the wrong-way driver detection system works. Graphics from TxDOT
Businesses and pedestrians along Oregon Street can expect to see increased traffic on Oregon as people start using the exit into Downtown, according to the news release.
The intersection will have a deceleration lane that is separated from traffic by a curb to channel and slow traffic exiting LP 375 westbound.
Photos by Shaun Felice/KTSM
Another feature is a wrong way driver detection system. If a driver approaches the channelized lane separation and winds up on the wrong side of the street, flashing lights on “wrong way” signs will activate.
A camera with a sensor will alert the TxDOT TransVista traffic monitoring center to the activity. If the driver continues into traffic, an electronic message board farther east will alert westbound drivers to potential wrong way driver.
“The newly opened exit will increase mobility for residents of and visitors to Downtown,” said TxDOT El Paso District Engineer Toms Trevio. “The robust Wrong Way Driver Detection System is the first of its kind in the El Paso District and adds an extra level of safety to help prevent people from entering the westbound lanes heading in the wrong direction, with the potential to alert oncoming traffic so they can take evasive action if necessary.”
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