El Paso approves 5-year modernization plan for international bridges
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso City Council on Tuesday approved a series of initiatives to modernize international bridges.
The initiatives aim to improve cross-border mobility and strengthen El Paso’s position as a gateway for international trade and travel.
According to the city, the Fiscal Year 2027-2031 International Bridges Capital Improvement Program is a five-year plan. It includes more than $72.5 million in planned infrastructure investments at the Paso del Norte, Stanton-Lerdo and Ysleta-Zaragoza ports of entry.
The five-year plan focuses on improving traffic flow, pedestrian safety, modernizing toll systems and supporting economic growth.
For the Ysleta-Zaragoza bridge, the city approved a $3.75 million professional services contract to conduct a feasibility study and develop a master plan for future expansion. The contract is part of a $5 million project budget funded through the International Bridges Capital Improvement Program, the city said. The study will find opportunities to expand capacity, improve traffic circulation and accommodate future commercial demand.
For the Paso del Norte and Stanton improvements authorized the city to apply for $3.2 million in federal project funding through Congresswoman Veronica Escobar for a feasibility study at both bridges. The proposed study’s budget is $4 million, with 80% requested from the federal government and the remaining 20%, provided by the city. The city said federal funding hasn’t been awarded yet.
Additionally, the city identified major projects in the five-year plan. The toll modernization plan has a $6.2 million planned investment at all three city-owned bridges.
The city also plans to invest $17.9 million to install electronic signs and traffic cameras to keep travelers updated on congestion, closures and crossing times at the Ysleta-Zaragoza bridge. Construction is already underway for the traffic technology, and the city expects it to finish in summer 2027.
Also at the Ysleta-Zaragoza bridge, a $17 million planned investment has been dedicated to add shaded canopies, parking, crosswalks and other facilities for pedestrians, the city said. The project also includes an E-Fast Pass customer service office.
City council approved the plan as the federal government moves forward with the modernization of the Bridge of the Americas.
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