West Main drive Streetscape

The West Main Drive Streetscape Improvements are a key component of the Downtown Street Masterplan which aims to push the City of El Paso towards enhancing the urban environment and improving pedestrian safety. As part of the Masterplan’s implementation of Phase 1, this project site was strategically selected to address the growing needs of the area. The decision to focus on West Main Drive was influenced by several factors, including the presence of La Nube which creates growth and traffic, and the importance of ensuring accessible pedestrian pathways. The new streetscape implemented traffic calming strategies such as narrow lanes to reduce speeds, street trees to provide shade, and incorporated raised platform/shared promenade to deter vehicular speeds. Funded by TIRZ 5, West Main Drive connects to key cultural and artistic sites downtown such as the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC), El Paso Museum of History, El Paso Museum of Art, and the Arts Plaza. Making these streetscape improvements are essential for a vibrant interconnected downtown area.

Before and After Images

Main Street Construction

Main Street Completion

Objectives

  • Pedestrian Safety

  • Convert Main Drive to One Way Traffic West

  • Maintain Vehicular and EMS access to surrounding buildings

  • Efficient trash collection

Project Description

  • Designated school bus drop-off lane

  • Main Drive cross section

  • Semi-trailer and Emergency Vehicle Maneuvering

  • Maintain existing building access and servicing

  • Maintain FDC aerial access lane

  • Designated sitting areas

Scope of Work

  • Main Street: Raised street to curb level, with rolling curb at Santa Fe and El Paso Intersections

  • Raised 8-foot crosswalk with paver patters

  • New trees with planters in project area located on the South side of Main

  • New Rain Garden on South side of Main to harvest water runoff

  • Increased width of Sidewalk by 2 feet on El Paso Street to increase pedestrian safety

  • Signage includes pedestrian crossing and wayfinding

Landscape Architect

Surroundings Studio LLC

Project Cost funded by TIRZ 5

Total~ $830,000

Completed in August 2024