EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Drivers on Interstate 10 between Vinton and the New Mexico state line should prepare for major traffic changes tied to the second phase of TxDOT’s I-10 widening project, including a weekend closure and a traffic switch set for April 27.
Lauren Macias-Cervantes with the Texas Department of Transportation said the change will be “the first significant change in configuration on the second phase of our I-10 widening project,” and it will happen after a full weekend closure.
This weekend, I-10 eastbound between Anthony, New Mexico, and Los Mochis will be closed as crews move drivers to the new inside travel lanes of I-10 from Anthony to Vinton.
The eastbound traffic switch will include three ramp closures: Exit 1 for Anthony, Exit 2 for Vinton, and the Vinton eastbound on-ramp.
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On the westbound side, drivers will lose Exit 0 beginning May 11. Once the changes are in place on both sides, the configuration is expected to last one year. The widening project is scheduled to be complete by September 2027.
The updates come during National Work Zone Awareness Week. Macias-Cervantes also highlighted TxDOT’s year-round safety outreach through “safety creatures,” barrel sculptures made by employees using retired traffic barrels and cones.
“Employees across the state have been creating barrel sculptures for years, each with its own look, name, and safety message,” she said.
In San Angelo, one sculpture is named Tex. In Amarillo, there are two: Barrel Man and another creation meant to remind drivers not to hog the road. In El Paso, three sculptures greet the community: Work Zone Willy, SafeT-REX and Safe-T-Jake.
“We have received a lot of positive feedback from the community. People love the creatures, especially children. Visitors stop and snap photos all the time,” Macias-Cervantes said. “We recently had a fashion designer stop by and use the creatures with her model and clothing line.”
The sculptures previously traveled to promote work zone safety, but Macias-Cervantes said the effort became too difficult. “They used to travel to help spread their safety message, but the tear down and travel became too much so now they are retired and make their home at TxDOT headquarters sharing their message with drivers on I-10,” she said.
TxDOT confirms weekend closure, April 27 traffic switch on I-10 widening phase two
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