EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Scenic Drive has been closed to cars for more than a month after heavy rains damaged the roadway, and the wait to reopen it is frustrating many drivers this week.<\/p>\n
City crews are repairing the road and rock wall, and officials say they\u2019re also taking steps aimed at preventing similar damage in the future. Before the repairs began, rain washed away soil beneath part of the road, leaving it unsafe for drivers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ground below the roadway actually washed away onto the hillside down the mountain,\u201d said Randy Garcia, the city\u2019s director of streets and maintenance.<\/p>\n
The city said crews have completed concrete work and are now repairing sections of the rock wall. Crews are also adding a waterproofing measure along the roadway.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe found areas along the roadway where we felt water was infiltrating below the roadway,\u201d Garcia said. \u201cButted towe are putting some rubberized coating and additional asphalt material.\u201d<\/p>\n
The goal, Garcia said, is to help keep water from seeping under the road and rock wall. He said crews are waiting until all repairs and safety checks are complete before reopening Scenic Drive.<\/p>\n
Pedestrians can still access the area, but vehicles are not allowed past the closures. Access is limited to police academy personnel and contractors who need to reach the mountain towers.<\/p>\n
The city is targeting mid-November for reopening, but that timeline is not guaranteed. Garcia said the road will reopen all at once after a final inspection.<\/p>\n
If you have a topic you would like to see featured in the “What’s Driving You Crazy?” segment, send an email to mamhernandez@sbgtv.com.<\/a><\/p>\n What’s Driving You Crazy: Heavy rains erode Scenic Drive roadway<\/p>\n<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: What’s Driving You Crazy: Pellicano project phase one nearing finish<\/a><\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: What’s Driving You Crazy: Safety concerns at Artcraft and Doniphan intersection<\/a><\/p>\n