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Ribbon cutting marks completion of Borderland Expressway phase 1; funding work under way for later phases
Summary
Officials celebrated completion of Borderland Expressway phase 1 with a ribbon cutting; TxDOT indicated a potential phase 2 groundbreaking this late summer or early fall, phase 2 is funded and phase 3 funding planning is underway using transportation reinvestment zone revenues and potential state infrastructure bank debt.
Board members and staff reported on a March ribbon cutting for the completed phase 1 work on the Borderland (Border West) Expressway and discussed next steps to fund remaining phases.
Mr. Smith and other officials attended a ribbon‑cutting ceremony for phase 1, which consists primarily of frontage roadway work between Railroad and Dyer streets. TxDOT reportedly told attendees it expects to hold a groundbreaking for phase 2 in late summer or early fall; the meeting record states phase 2 has funding in place and is the largest remaining funded phase and would extend the expressway lanes toward the state line with New Mexico. Phase 3—the portion traversing Fort Bliss property to connect to Loop 375—remains unfunded.
Staff said they recently met with TxDOT, the MPO and the city of El Paso to develop a funding approach for phase 3. The RMA has an executed agreement with the city to continue Transportation Reinvestment Zone (TRZ) number 3 as one potential funding source. Staff reported a plan to issue State Infrastructure Bank debt to leverage TRZ number 3 revenues as part of a funding package for phase 3.
Board members described the completed frontage road work as a “nice start” and noted the area’s development potential now that improvements are in place. The board also discussed potential ribbon cuttings and site visits so members better understand ongoing projects beyond paper plans.
No board action was required on the update; staff committed to continue coordination with TxDOT, the MPO and city partners as funding strategies advance.
