The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDoT) announced Monday that they will conduct a Public Meeting on Thursday, January 21st on proposed connectors between I-10, US54, Loop375 and State Road 1-110, but all eyes will be on the future of the Lincoln Center.
The former school, built one hundred years ago, has ping-ponged between owners and fates – narrowly missing demolition after the flooding from Storm2006. Now, expansion of the surrounding roadways may prove to be the end of the facility many call the Heart of El Paso.
The proposed project consists of constructing direct connectors, ramps, and/or auxiliary lanes and widening existing ramps and direct connectors between the four major arteries that meet and tower over the site. Officials say the improvements are needed to “improve mobility and address congestion on the existing roadway network.”
Supporters of the Lincoln Center have been very vocal as to their support for the school, hosting events and involving the community in save-the-property events through social media sites.
According to a TxDoT release, the project “may require the acquisition of additional right-of-way (meaning additional property may have to be acquired). The purpose of the meeting is to provide information about the proposed project (and it is also a federal requirement to have public input for projects that are federally-funded) and gather input from the public on the current alternative layouts.”
The release went on to state, “Maps of the project study area and preliminary layouts of the project alternatives will be available for review and comment. Project staff will be available to answer questions.”
After the meeting, TxDOT will evaluate public input, refine the project alternatives, and identify a preferred design to evaluate further.
The public meeting, set for Thursday, January 21st, will be conducted in an open-house format with an informational presentation given at 5:30 p.m. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to do so at their convenience between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Below is more information regarding the meeting, as provided by TxDoT.
Persons interested in attending the Public Meeting that have special communication or accommodation needs should contact TxDOT El Paso District Public Information Office, Blanca Del Valle, at (915) 790-4200 at least two working days before the meeting. TxDOT will make reasonable efforts to accommodate special needs as requested.
All handouts will be presented in English and Spanish.
Written comments from the public regarding this project are encouraged. Comments may be submitted either at the Public Meeting or within 10 days after the meeting.
Written comments may be mailed to the following address: Blanton & Associates, Inc., Attn: 1-10 Connect, 5 Lakeway Centre Court, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78734.
Comments may also be e-mailed to [email protected] Comments must be postmarked on or before Monday, February 1, 2016 to be included as part of the public record.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the project in more detail, please contact Antonio Santana, E.R., TxDOT Project Manager, at (915) 790-4200.
This meeting is part of an environmental review required by law that is subject to review, consultation and other actions required by applicable Federal environmental laws for the project and are being, or have been carried-out by TxDOT pursuant to 23 U.S.C. 327 and a Memorandum of Understanding dated Dec. 16, 2014, and executed by the Federal Highway Administration and TxDOT.
I-10 CONNECT From Loop 375 (Cesar Chavez Border Highway) to Yandell Drive
El Paso County, Texas
CSJ: 0167-01-113, etc.
Thursday, January 21, 2106
5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Texas Tech University
Health Sciences Center
Medical Education Building
5001 El Paso Drive
El Paso, TX 79905
