EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has released a 140-page Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed “Downtown 10” expansion project, a plan to widen Interstate 10 between Executive Center and Copia Street at an estimated cost of $1.3 billion.
The report narrows the project down to four build alternatives identified as Alternatives D, G, H, and I along with a “No Build” option that would leave the highway as it is. All four build alternatives call for widening I-10 through Downtown, adding lanes and making changes to frontage roads, ramps, and pedestrian access.
TxDOT has identified “Revised Alternative I” as its preferred option. That plan would widen the existing trench, reconfigure Downtown bridges, redesign access roads, and relocate bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
El Paso County Commissioner David Stout and City Rep. Chris Canales, who represent the neighborhoods that would be most affected, released a joint statement opposing the project. They said it would displace homes, apartments, schools, and community landmarks including the Holocaust Museum.
“Both of us find this project unnecessary, providing little benefit at massive cost, both monetary and to community cohesion. Adding lanes to highways doesn’t solve congestion, and the disruption to Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods is far too great,” the statement read in part.
TxDOT argues the project is needed to reduce congestion, improve safety, and bring the 60-year-old freeway up to modern design standards.
A public hearing is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the El Paso Convention Center. Community members may also submit written comments through Oct. 14. Both oral and written input will be considered before TxDOT makes a final decision on the project.
This expansion project is separate from the proposed Deck Plaza, a billion-dollar plan to build a park over I-10 Downtown. The Deck Plaza could only move forward if the freeway is widened, but it is not part of the Draft EIS.
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