EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — Orange barrels still in place despite the appearance of construction being done on Thorn Avenue in Northwest El Paso. That’s what’s driving viewers crazy this week.
According to TxDOT El Paso, the barrels are part of the Thorn project, which is a segment of the I-10 widening west project. This initiative aims to expand the highway from four to six lanes, stretching from Mesa St. to the New Mexico state line.
The new Thorn Bridge overpass is set to serve as a connector in the northwest El Paso area between Redd and Mesa. Although the project was initially slated for completion last spring, several tasks remain unfinished.
Lauren Macias Cervantes from the Texas Department of Transportation explained what remains for the project, “One of those things is paving on either side connecting to North and South Desert. Now that paving cannot be completed until the bypass lanes both east and west are done. That’s because a full intersection closure will be needed and those bypass lanes will be the detour.”
The bypass lanes will enable drivers to bypass the Thorn intersection and proceed to Redd and Mesa.
The Thorn Bridge will feature a wider structure with higher clearance and pedestrian safety enhancements.
It is set to open by mid-January 2026.
If you have a topic you would like Marisol Hernandez to feature in her “What’s Driving You Crazy?” segment send her an email at mamhernandez@sbgtv.com.
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