EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – KTSM crews spotted workers Thursday, June 18, in the morning securing large metal culverts near Gateway West and Airway after the Texas Department of Transportation temporarily shut down part of the roadway.
These are the same massive pipes that were swept onto Gateway West during heavy rain on Sunday, June 14, creating a potential hazard for drivers, days earlier.
Despite assurances from the City of El Paso earlier this week that the issue had been addressed, KTSM found the culverts displaced again Wednesday night.
TxDOT posted on X that Gateway West between Westmoreland Drive and Airway Boulevard was closed until further notice.
By 10:30 a.m., the roadway had reopened, but crews remained at the scene working to secure the culverts.
Earlier this week, the city told KTSM that a representative associated with the property had agreed to move the pipes farther from the roadway and secure them with concrete barriers.
El Paso storm pushes culverts into roadway
However, the culverts were displaced again, raising new concerns about public safety.
KTSM has reached out to the City of El Paso to ask whether any action will be taken against the private company that owns the pipes.
The City of El Paso provided the following statement:
“City staff responded again following reports that the corrugated pipes had shifted and immediately coordinated with TxDOT crews, which temporarily closed portions of Gateway West and Westmoreland to remove the pipes that had reached the roadway and shoulder areas.
Additional measures have since been implemented to move the remaining pipes farther from traffic and reinforce them with existing barriers and dirt berms. City staff have remained engaged throughout the response and continue to monitor the site.
The recurring movement of these structures during storm events is unacceptable, and the City is reviewing all available enforcement and legal remedies to address the situation and require a more permanent solution.
Because the materials are located on private property, any action by the City must follow the appropriate permissible process.
The City will continue pursuing all available remedies and expects those responsible for the property to implement a permanent solution so these materials no longer pose a danger to motorists and nearby residents.”
KTSM also asked TxDOT about the cost and resources being used for the repeated cleanups.
TxDOT provided the following statement:
“TxDOT maintenance crews responded to Gateway West near Westmoreland this morning to remove corrugated metal pipes from the median between Interstate 10 and Gateway after HERO crews responded to the location overnight. The pipes were relocated and secured to prevent future movement. We are working collaboratively with the City of El Paso to address the issue with the property owner.”
TxDOT officials did not provide answers regarding the cost and resources.
KTSM is awaiting responses from the City of El Paso.
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