Interstate 10 West, El Paso

Also see: Interstate 10 East | IH-10 El Paso historic photos | Recommended improvements for IH-10 west corridor (1999)

As it leaves downtown El Paso going westward, interstate 10 passes through a mountainous area. Alongside the freeway is the Asarco copper smelter, which has been idle since 1999. After the mountainous area is traversed, the topography is generally flat. This section of freeway was opened in the 1960's. A 1966 map shows the freeway complete north of the border highway (Paisano). South of the border highway to downtown (through the mountainous area), the map shows the facility as proposed. The entire freeway through El Paso was complete in 1969, so the mountainous section was probably completed in 1968. A study completed in 1999 has defined future planned widenings to IH-10. From the New Mexico State line to 20/Mesa, widen to 6 lanes. From Mesa to Executive Center, currently 6 lanes, widen to 8 lanes. A 4-lane freeway is planned on the parallel border highway to help relieve IH-10. See the map and summary of Recommended improvements for IH-10 west corridor.

Photos start at downtown proceed westward/northward (high resolution 198k) A. This view looks southeastward towards downtown El Paso. Photo taken 31-May-2001. (high resolution 279k) B. This looks northwestward, with the idled Asarco copper smelter alongside the freeway. Photo taken 31-May-2001. (high resolution 253k) C. Looking south/southwest towards downtown. Photo taken 31-May-2001. D. The intersection at Sunland Park drive features a three level interchange with a direct connector. View looks northwest (outbound). Photo taken 31-May-2001. (high resolution 120k) E. A typical freeway view south of route 20, looking northwest (outbound). Photo taken 31-May-2001. (high resolution 115k) F. At route 20, the freeway is reduced to 4 lanes. View looks northwest (outbound). Photo taken 31-May-2001. (high resolution 114k) G. Looking north (westbound) from the Loop 375 (Trans Mountain Road) overpass. This area is still mostly rural desert. Photo taken 31-May-2001.