I-10 Closure in El Paso: Eastbound Shut Anthony to Transmountain

What happened

The I-10 closure in El Paso is on right now. TxDOT closed all of eastbound I-10 between Anthony and Transmountain. The closure started Saturday, Oct. 3, at 3 a.m. It runs until Monday, Oct. 5, at 6 a.m. That is 51 hours with no eastbound traffic on that stretch.

Crews are placing a new bridge deck. The deck is the flat part of the bridge that cars and trucks drive on. This is part of the I-10 Widening West project.

TxDOT gave this detour. Get on South Desert. Go through the intersection at Anthony and Vinton. Then get back on I-10 eastbound after Los Mochis.

There is more coming. On Monday night, Oct. 5, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., westbound I-10 at Los Mochis will be fully closed for beam work. The westbound detour uses North Desert, through Vinton and Anthony, and back on I-10 westbound after Anthony.

KTSM reported that the same eastbound closure is planned again from Saturday, Oct. 10, to Monday, Oct. 12, also 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. KTSM also said that starting Oct. 4, eastbound I-10 near mile marker 180 will have full closures at night, on and off, for bridge lift work.

What it means for owner-operators

I-10 is one of the main truck routes in the country. It links California, Arizona and New Mexico with El Paso, San Antonio and Houston. If you come from New Mexico into Texas this weekend, this closure is on your path.

A detour on frontage roads is slower. There are lights, turns and local traffic. A loaded truck on a frontage road takes more time and more care than the interstate.

That time counts against your hours of service. If you planned your clock to the minute, the detour can push you past your limit. A late delivery can also cost you with the broker or the shipper.

This matters even if you do not live in El Paso. Many drivers from all over the US cross this stretch every week.

What to do next

• Check your route before you leave. Plan the detour on South Desert, Vinton and Los Mochis into your trip.
• Add extra time to your plan, and tell your broker or shipper early if you will be late.
• Watch your hours. Do not let a slow detour push you into a violation.
• Mark your calendar: the same closure is planned again Oct. 10 to Oct. 12, plus night work near mile marker 180.
• Keep your paperwork in order before long trips. Our filing guide for truckers shows the permits you need to stay legal on the road.

Need help with your USDOT, IFTA or other permits? Call TCZ Permits at 956-526-6727.