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 will host 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 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.
The in-person public meeting will be conducted in both English and Spanish, with virtual meetings running from Tuesday through August 18.
This is also 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.
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.
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