AUSTIN – New funding announced Friday will help pedestrians and bicyclists in Tornillo and Ysleta have better and safer access to schools, public transit and community areas.
The Texas Transportation Commission approved $24 million this week for 30 projects across the state that will build sidewalks, shared use paths, bike lanes and other safety features.
This federal funding comes from two different programs. The first is called Transportation Alternatives and includes projects that enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety, provide access to multimodal options and connect important community destinations like schools, jobs, downtowns, commercial areas and medical facilities. These go to rural or small urban areas of the state.
The commission approved 18 projects under this category valued at $15.8 million.
The second funding source comes from the Safe Routes to Schools program. These funds go to projects that encourage safe bicycling and walking for children in elementary and middle schools.
The commission approved 12 projects under this category valued at $8.5 million.
TxDoT officials say these projects are set to build things like sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, bike lanes and other improvements designed to improved safety.
In the El Paso District, these projects include:
Project Sponsor: El Paso County
Project Name: Tornillo South Sidewalks/SUP
Federal Funding Source: Transportation Alternatives
Project Description: The project will construct sidewalks along Cobb Avenue, Florinda Drive, Linda Drive, Florella Drive, and 2nd Street, totaling 1.6 miles, in Tornillo.
Additionally, the project includes construction of a shared use path for pedestrian and bicycle use on 3rd Street for one-tenth of a mile to connect to a previous TA -funded shared use path along O.T. Smith Road. The project will connect residences to schools and transit.
Project Sponsor: El Paso County
Project Name: Tornillo North Sidewalks
Federal Funding Source: Transportation Alternatives
Project Description: The project will construct sidewalks along Drake Street, Old Mill Drive, and Los Coyotes Drive, totaling 1.6 miles, in Tornillo. The project will connect neighborhoods to businesses and school campuses.
This project will connect to a shared use path previously funded through TxDOT’s 2017 TA program call.
Project Sponsor: City of El Paso
Project Name: Ysleta Middle School SRTS
Federal Funding Source: Safe Routes to School
Project Description: Project will feature installation of bicycles lanes on Elvin Way/Davis Drive between Alameda Avenue and Victor Lane and a shared use path for bicycle and pedestrian use along Independence Drive/Playa Lateral between Elvin Way and Jesuit Drive.
Additionally, the project will include upgraded school flashers in the existing school zone at Ysleta Middle School. The project will provide connectivity to Ysleta Middle School, Ysleta High School, and nearby Capistrano Elementary, parks, neighborhoods, and public transportation, as well as the proposed Playa Drain shared use path.
