MPO amends McCombs multi‑use trail description to include work on Lisa Drive after public safety concerns

The Transportation Policy Board approved an amendment to the McCombs multi‑use trail project to expand the project description and limits to explicitly reference proposed work on Lisa Drive in addition to McCombs Drive.

MPO staff said the amendment is a clarification to ensure the TIP, STIP and long‑range plan documents match and reflect the project scope already under design. The updated limits extend to areas serving Chaparral Middle School and the adjacent community center, which staff said ensures work across intersections will be included.

Scott White, speaking for the El Paso Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition, urged the board to ensure that intersection crossings, curb ramps and other human‑scale design elements are included in the scope and not treated as outside project limits. "When you get to an intersection, sometimes that meets in the minds of some folks that you can't actually change things to help people get across that intersection," White said, arguing that intersections should be considered part of the project's design limits to ensure safe crossings.

Board members confirmed that the revised project description incorporates Lisa Drive limits that reach across the intersections to the middle school side. The amendment was approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: Explicitly naming Lisa Drive and clarifying limits increases the likelihood that intersection treatments and pedestrian/bicycle accommodations will be designed and funded as part of the project rather than omitted as out‑of‑scope details.

What’s next: MPO staff recommended, and the board approved, the amendment; local implementing agencies will proceed with design and coordinate construction‑phase details and pedestrian safety elements with the MPO and stakeholders.