Introduction

In 1969, work was underway to extend the federal Interstate 10 (I-10) through El Paso to link the cross-country, east-west highway from Jackson, Florida to Santa Monica, California. The project disrupted the heart of Downtown El Paso - and the fabric of El Paso's urban core - with a sunken freeway.

With the Texas Department of Transportation's plans to reconstruct I-10 from Executive Center to Copia after fifty years, El Paso has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a Deck Plaza over I-10 in the downtown corridor.

The transformational project is designed to reconnect neighborhoods historically separated by I-10 to enhance livability, provide economic opportunity, add green space, hike/bike trails and other recreational amenities, and celebrate the region's rich heritage and culture. It also supports the City of El Paso's Downtown + Update & Surrounding Neighborhoods Master Plan approved in July 2023.