State Park Entrance Still Top Issue

Houdini, the Harris Hawk, was a big hit at the Fiesta

(Photo courtesy of Benny Pol)

In spite of the construction on Transmountain Road, this past Saturday's Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta was well-attended. The unofficial guestimate of attendance is now 500. The buzz at the Fiesta though was the park entrance. Many had a hard time finding their way into the park. Some who came from the east side missed the turn and then, in spite of no real left turns allowed at this time, made a left turn anyway into the park after turning around and heading back east. 

The question on everyone's mind was "What will be done with the entrance?"

Elpasonaturally has learned today from TxDOT Engineer, Bob Bielek, that, before November 1, the public can expect another meeting concerning the entrance and the alternatives that TxDOT believes now to be viable. Bielek said that TxDOT has heard loud and clear that the public wants a safe animal corridor under the highway and safe passage for hikers and bicyclists. To do an animal corridor would probably be less than $300,000 - chump change for a project as expensive and extensive as the west side segment of Transmountain.

So, look for a public meeting soon and look for some real discussion on safe alternatives that include making entrance to the largest urban park in the United State quite attractive.

Bielek affirmed that the project and entrance considerations are on-schedule.