How ‘Traffic Management Project’ closures impact a Sunland Park neighborhood
SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KVIA) — For many residents of the Borderland, the line separating El Paso’s West side and Sunland Park, New Mexico, is one that is more understood and less identifiable. For a neighborhood that resides in both places along the state line, a traffic conundrum could be on the horizon.
According to Kym Hemley, a lifelong West El Paso and Sunland Park resident, said blockades that have been in place since June at three different places along Frontera Street. She said the closures caused a negative stir in her community.
“I grew up on the street,” Hemley said. “I used to run down from Frontera to the Rio Grande all my life…the community is activated.”
In response, the City of El Paso’s Strategic Communications Director, Laura Cruz-Acosta, provided ABC 7 with this statement:
“The traffic mitigation improvements on Frontera Road, including the diagonal diverter and associated street closures, are permanent features intended to protect nearby residential neighborhoods by reducing cut-through traffic and mitigating the impacts of anticipated future development in the Sunland Park area. The project is designed to preserve neighborhood safety, improve traffic flow, and maintain reliable emergency access.
While these improvements are intended to remain in place, the City continually evaluates traffic conditions. If future land uses or traffic patterns change significantly, the City’s Traffic Engineer could consider modifications after a careful engineering review.
There are no special precautions residents need to take to protect themselves or their vehicles. As with any new traffic configuration, motorists will need time to adjust to the new traffic patterns. Drivers traveling to New Mexico should approach the area using New Mexico streets, while drivers traveling from Texas should access the neighborhood using Texas streets. Access to all homes and businesses within the neighborhood remains available.
Throughout the planning and design process, the City held multiple public meetings and worked closely with the neighborhood association to develop and implement these traffic mitigation measures. The project was specifically designed to keep Frontera Road functioning as a neighborhood street while accommodating future growth in the surrounding area.”
ABC-7 also reached out to the City of Sunland Park comment, but did not hear back.
Hemley plans to speak on behalf of her neighbors, as they hope to present their concerns at Tuesday’s Sunland Park City Council budget meeting.
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