An update that will be presented to the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority (CRRMA) at its upcoming board meeting states that the Loop 375 freeway project in northeast El Paso could open sometime in December. The project’s contractor, J.D. Abrams of Austin, is “well ahead” of schedule, according to the 2nd quarter Progress Report.
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| The three new freeway overpasses can be seen in this photograph taken from the Transmountain rest area. (CRRMA) |
Multiple milestones are highlighted in the report, including completion of the excavation work under US-54 that will create an underpass for Loop 375. The freeway will dip underneath both the US-54 freeway lanes and the gateway frontage roads.
Work continues on all three street overpasses that are part of the project, at Kenworthy Drive, Rushing Boulevard, and Alcan Avenue, mainly preparation for the laying down of freeway lanes. This will be followed by barrier work.
Decorative concrete panels are still being placed along the freeway to create support walls. The panels were designed by public artist Vicki Scuri (vickiscuri.com) and are diamond and triangle patterns that represent geometric shapes of mountains and diamondback rattle snakes. The same design will also be seen on the Loop 375 Transmountain project on the west side of the Franklin Mountains. Scuri’s designs will also be seen at the I-10/Airway aesthetics project, coming soon.
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| Decorative panels suggest mountains and rattlesnakes, designed by artist Vicki Scuri. (vickiscuri.com) |
The Loop 375 Northeast project had an official completion date in July 2014. The $50 million, 3.0 mile project began construction in December of 2011 and completes a gap in the Loop 375 freeway between US-54 and Dyer Street. Once completed, commuters using the freeway will not have to stop at any traffic lights while travelling through northeast El Paso.
CRRMA officials will review the update at the August 14, 2013, board meeting. Details can be viewed at the authority’s website, crrma.org.
Previously: Loop 375 Northeast Project Should be Finished by July 2014