EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso County Commisioners Court will discuss and possibly send a letter on Monday, Oct. 6 expressing their concerns about a proposal by the Texas Department of Transportation to do a major improvement project along the Interstate 10 corridor through Downtown El Paso.
TxDOT is proposing to do a reconstructoin project along I-10 from Executive Center Boulevard to Copia Street.
The deadline for community feedback on the project is Oct. 14.
As KTSM previously reported, the Downtown I-10 project is about six miles long and would widen I-10 from three to five lanes to four to six lanes in each direction, adding two-lane frontage roads in each direction, ramp and operational improvements, and bicycle and pedestrian paths.
The proposed letter expresses concerns about the use of “continuous turning lanes and Texas turnarounds” along the corridor, according to a draft letter included in the agenda backup material.
The County cites the possibility of a separate deck plaza being built over the area and wants to see that pedestrian and bicycle safety are taken into consideration during the initial design of the improvement project.
“Although these features are effective for vehicle movement, we believe they may create safety challenges for pedestrians and cyclists. Given that this project has the potential to become a destination area with strong appeal to residents and visitors alike, we believe prioritizing pedestrian and bicycle safety in the design phase is essential to its long-term success,” the County said in its letter.
The Commissioners Court is being asked to move forward with two park projects that were part of a bond approved by voters in November 2024.
First, the commissioners are being asked to approved a $1.8 million construction contract for Milagro Park in the Horizon View Estates area. Under this proposal, the County would hire Medlock Commerical Contractors of El Paso to do the work.
The park would include a walking trail, playground with perimeter fence and shade, sports court, another playground, adventure course, pavilion, native plants, parking lot and sidewalk that is accessible, picnic facilities and a soccer field, according to the agenda material.
Commissioners are also being asked to approve a $4.2 million design contract with Exigo Architecture for a renovation project at Ascarate park.
The improvements would include park trails, shelters, festival area and lake and park entrance, the agenda said.
“The selected design team will deliver a complete project package, from community engagement and conceptual design to construction documents and assist in selecting the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR). They will also collaborate with the County’s chosen CMAR to ensure successful project delivery,” the agenda said.
El Paso County Commissioners Court will meet at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6 on the third floor of the County Courthouse, 500 E. San Antonio.
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