EL PASO, Texas -- It's a project that's been in the works since last year. And depending on what TxDOT crews work on, the intersection of Horizon Boulevard and Interstate 10 is a nightmare for people.

Most days when traveling on Horizon Boulevard around quitting time, drivers spend a lot of time waiting.

By next year, traffic in this area will flow like never before. But for now, drivers will have to endure getting stuck in traffic.

"I'm late. I have to go to work," said Raul Montes from Socorro.

Most people didn't expect Horizon Boulevard to reduce to one lane approaching Interstate 10.

"We thought we were going to go fast, but the lanes were closed," said Jonathan Gonzales from Horizon City.

The area is already congested, but when one lane needs to be closed off, vehicles keep lining up in every direction. Congestion is so bad you can see traffic on I-10 slowing down.

The $22 million project by the Texas Department of Transportation serves as a step to accommodate increased residential and commercial growth. The project will look similar to the Lee Trevino and I-10 interchange. It will include more lanes on the gateways and Horizon Boulevard and turn around bridges for increase mobility. One lane on the gateway will be non-stopping underneath Horizon Boulevard. Storm sewer will be added as well.

It's great news for El Paso Community College student Jose Marmolejo.

"There's no actual way to get to Sparks from Mission without going all the way around," said Marmolejo.

On top of the reduced lanes and the semi-truck traffic, getting home for him feels like eternity.

"On a day when they're closing off lanes, it can take 30 to 45 minutes," said Marmolejo.