Mission Statement

SPUR 601 is a TxDOT project dedicated to provide a safe, efficient, reliable new corridor to improve the mobility in east-. The SPUR 601 team is working in partnership with the Army, the City of El Paso, roadway users and other interested parties to provide for the future transportation needs of an area that destined for rapid road user growth.

Spur 601 Project Highlights

A. Governor Rick Perry met with Pentagon and State Officials in 2004 and committed the state to support military bases through infrastructure improvements.

B. The Spur 601 Project provides connectivity with the International Ports of Entry and highways around the El Paso Region.

C. Total estimated cost of project is $ 367,450,000,000.

D. Project length is 7.4 miles delivered in 41 months.

1. Four lanes from LP375 to Airport Rd. Interchange.

2. Six lanes from Airport Rd to US 54.

3. Elevated six-lane section from Chaffee to US 54.

E. Segment A-1 Global Reach Interchange and realignment open to traffic Summer 2008.

F. Segment A-2 Global Reach Interchange to LP 375 opens to traffic Spring 2009.

G. Spur 601 to be completed Winter 2011. The City of El Paso is experiencing rapid growth that is resulting from the US Department of Defense’s expansion to as well as private development along Loop 375, which is also known as Purple Heart Memorial Freeway. Fort Bliss is currently developing a Temporary Unit of Action Facility to house 21,000 new troops and the City of El Paso recently annexed land east of Loop 375 to accommodate the planned development of housing subdivisions.

To meet the corresponding demand of significant traffic growth the proposed Spur 601 provides a 7.4 mile mobility connection between US 54 on the west and Loop 375 on the east. The alignment follows the existing Fred Wilson Avenue from US 54 to the Airport Road/Sergeant Major Boulevard intersection, progresses eastward through an underdeveloped area north of and along Founders/Walter Jones Boulevards, traverses the property lines between El Paso International Airport, Biggs Army Airfield and Fort Bliss Military Reservation, and terminates at Loop 375. .

SEGMENT A1-A3 Approximately five miles of Spur 601, from the east abutment of the overpass bridge at the intersection of Airport Road and Sergeant Major Boulevard to Loop 375. • Includes the relocation of Global Reach Drive to George Perry Drive • Includes the relocation of Walter Jones Boulevard • Includes the backage road at East Biggs Control Access Point Road

SEGMENT A-1 Defined as the relocation of Global Reach Drive and Walter Jones Boulevard. It is intended to be the first segment of the project to be opened to traffic. This segment will provide access to a new gate that Fort Bliss will put into permanent service. SEGMENT A-2 Defined as Spur 601 from the east abutment of the Global Reach overpass to and including the Loop 375 interchange. Extending east of East Biggs Access Control Point is a proposed 3,550 foot long backage road leading to future development being coordinated by Fort Bliss. SEGMENT A-3 Defined as the Spur 601 from the east abutment of the over pass bridge at the intersection of Airport Road and Sergeant Major Boulevard, to the east abutment of the Global Reach Overpass.

SEGMENT B Defined as the Spur 601 main lanes west of the intersection of Airport Road and Sergeant Majors Boulevard, and is proposed to consist primarily of elevated freeway on twin structures (separate structures for east bound and west bound traffic). The service road from US 54 to Chaffee Road will be located between the twin main lane structures and provide one 12-foot lane in each direction separated by a continuous left turn lane. The frontage roads from Chaffee Road to the Airport Road and Sergeant Major Boulevard Interchange will be one way and will provide 12-foot lanes. Access ramps are proposed at Marshall Street (east side) and Chaffee Road. The existing three-level interchange project at Airport Road and Sergeant Major Boulevard. is proposed to be completed and incorporated into this Spur 601, Inner Loop project by tying into its main lanes and by providing an additional connector (north bound Airport Road to west bound Sergeant Major Boulevard). Segment B also includes four direct connectors at the intersection with US 54. These direct connectors will provide non-stop access from US 54 to Spur 601 in all directions of travel.