TxDOT conducted an advanced planning study for the I-10 corridor from the New Mexico State Line south to FM 3380 (Aguilera International Highway). The purpose of the study is to analyze and evaluate the current and future transportation needs for the I-10 El Paso corridor. This study called “Reimagine I-10” emphasized the need to reimagine how the corridor operates today and develop unique solutions for the El Paso area.
The result of the Reimagine I-10 Corridor Study was the identification of the need for improvements in the corridor, including potential operational improvements, the proposed implementation of a corridor-wide Adaptive Lane strategy, and the identification of technology opportunities to prepare for the future.
The El Paso I-10 corridor – the backbone of El Paso – is an important part of the interstate and national highway system, as well as the economy nationally and internationally.
*Texas-Mexico Border Transportation Master Plan 2020
**Destino 2045
***Reimagine I-10 Corridor Study
Goals and objectives for the Corridor Study were developed by collaboration with TxDOT, stakeholders, and the public. Feedback received regarding priorities in each segment of the study were used in developing the overall project goals as well as were used in the evaluation of alternatives.
Facilitate movement through and within the corridor.
Comply with accepted design standards to provide a safer facility with desirable ride quality.
Design to minimize Environmental Impacts to the Human and Natural Environment.
Offer innovative transportation alternatives.
Ensure that improvements are sustainable and balanced with respect to costs and benefits.
Leverage advancing technologies to address corridor issues.
The I-10 corridor between downtown and US 54 is most congested corridor in El Paso County (86th most congested roadway in Texas, and 75th most congested in terms of truck delay). Traffic analysis concluded that if improvements are not implemented on I-10, delays and user costs will significantly increase over the next 20 years. As congestion on I-10 worsens, it will likely spread onto arterials and local streets as drivers seek alternative routes. Even though TXDOT has maintained the pavement’s integrity, the I-10 corridor is aging and costly. While I-10 corridor only makes up 9% of the centerline miles in the district, it required nearly 27% of the non-contracted maintenance budget in 2019.
The Reimagine I-10 Corridor study included traffic analysis to determine how the existing I-10 corridor operates in addition to studying how future traffic volumes would be impacted if nothing is done to improve the system. With the anticipated growth of both population and employment, additional analysis was conducted to locate where growth is anticipated to occur and the increase of congestion on I-10 because of travelers commuting to and from their residences.
As part of the Reimagine I-10 Corridor Study, innovative interchange concepts were developed in place of conventional intersections to reduce delay, increase efficiency and provide safer travel for all road users.
Throughout the Reimagine I-10 Corridor Study, the project team met with local government and agency leaders, businesses, community members, as well as the public to receive input on needs for the downtown area.
Many unique transportation-related opportunities exist within the downtown segment of the Reimagine I-10 Corridor Study and would need to be developed in coordination with local area businesses to develop partnerships.
Adaptive lanes build flexibility into the Reimagine I-10 Corridor by allowing for a variety of potential future uses. Adaptive lane users would be removed from mainlane congestion and would have a more reliable trip (in terms of travel time) through the corridor.
The El Paso I-10 corridor – the backbone of El Paso – is an important part of the interstate and national highway system, as well as the economy nationally and internationally. As the region continues to grow, the El Paso region is expected to experience continued growth in revenue generation and travel demands.
Throughout the development of the Reimagine I-10 Corridor Study, TxDOT and the study team conducted several rounds of outreach efforts, including work group meetings, in-person and virtual public meetings, one-on-one meetings, and community engagement efforts. TxDOT plans to continue robust engagement with current and future projects that arise from the Corridor Study to continue to build the best solutions for El Paso.
Now that the Reimagine I-10 Corridor Study has been completed, each segment will go into a preliminary engineering (schematic) and environmental process as TxDOT prioritizes projects across the El Paso region. Two segment areas were determined to be of high priority, the highest being the downtown El Paso area. Visit the Segment 2 – Downtown 10 page for more information.
Hugo Hernandez
Project Manager
Texas Department of Transportation
13301 Gateway Bouvelard West
El Paso, TX 79928-5410
Hugo.Hernandez@txdot.gov
(915) 790-4243
Brian Swindell, P.E.
Senior Project Manager
HDR
17111 Preston Road; Suite 300
Dallas, TX 75248
Brian.Swindell@hdrinc.com
(972) 960-4400
Hugo Hernandez
Project Manager
Hugo.Hernandez@txdot.gov
(915) 790-4243
Texas Department of Transportation
13301 Gateway Bouvelard West
El Paso, TX 79928-5410
www.txdot.gov
Jennifer Wright
Lauren Macias-Cervantes
The website and meeting materials are in English. However, TxDOT will make every reasonable effort to accommodate the needs of the public. If you have a special communication accommodation, need for an interpreter, a request can be made. If you have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. Please submit an inquire using the form above. Please be aware that advance notice is requested as some accommodations may require time for TxDOT to arrange.
