CLINT, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is looking to build a highway next to the border that would run from Americas Avenue in El Paso to Tornillo and is asking the public to weigh in.
The agency hosted an in-person community meeting on Tuesday, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Clint High School, to discuss the Border Highway East Corridor Study. The study, tied to the project, aims to reduce traffic from Socorro to Tornillo.
Border Highway East Corridor (Credit:TxDOT)
The last public meetings on the project were held more than two years ago, when TxDOT presented several possible concepts for the corridor.
Tuesday’s meeting marked the first chance for residents to review the preferred concept and speak directly with TxDOT staff about their concerns.
“I mean, long story short, they’re trying to build a highway that would help with some of the congestion, but it would go into a lot of like the natural habitats that we have here and even some private land that people own,” said Alexa Hernandez, a meeting attendee.
Another meeting attendee, Rolando Flores, pointed towards the potential impact it will have on land and businesses.
“You’re spending all this money, and you’re gonna have to go through houses. You’re gonna have to go through Tigua Indian reservation; you’re gonna plow through our farms. You know these are our businesses,” Flores said.
The meeting comes as surrounding communities have been experiencing growth in recent years, causing heavier traffic for commuters during peak hours, prompting the 20-mile extension along the Cesar Chavez Border Highway.
This also served as an opportunity for community members to voice their concerns about the expansion and to talk about possible improvements to traffic around the area.
Speaking to KFOX14/CBS4 on Monday, Lauren Macias-Cervantes, a spokesperson for TxDOT, said the agency hopes the project helps with future growth.
“One of the things this looks at is not only accommodating the current situation but also looking at future growth, future connections,” Macias-Cervantes said.
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Attendees will also have the opportunity to see hard copies of study materials, leave comments, and address questions to TxDOT staff.
Elisa Butler, a frequent commuter, said the traffic in that area has raised concern.
“A lot of the issues here is congestion, it’s traffic, and there’s not a lot of options as to avoid it,” Butler said.
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According to TxDOT, the corridor study aims to find solutions to the increasing traffic congestion in those areas, expanding from Socorro to Tornillo. The study also aims to add alternative routes for commuters and improve safety.
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People living in the area next to the U.S- Mexico border where the preferred concept is mapped said they were unaware of a proposal to build a highway near their neighborhood and have concerns about their homes.
Alex Lezama, who recently bought a home in the area, said:
This is the first time we are hearing about this. We’ve put a lot of work into our property, which is something we don’t want just taken away.
However, TxDOT said that at this moment, the study has not yet identified any projects, nor is there funding for construction, and will continue to work with the community and organizations during the planning process.
Public meetings will continue with virtual meetings running through Aug. 18.
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