New roads signs to help direct traffic

El Paso drivers have a new sign to look out for on the road.

The Texas Department of Transportation just finished installing 94 alternate route signs along Interstate 10 from the state line to Fabens.

Edgar Fino, traffic engineer with TXDOT said, "Right now the traveling public is driving by our 94 signs and probably not even noticing them."

TXDOT uses different technology to monitor traffic throughout El Paso to help keep drivers safe.

When there's a crash, congestion, road work, closures or poor road conditions because of the weather, traffic cameras are used to identify where the problem is and dynamic message boards are used to inform the public about it. Fino said now they'll be able to help re-direct traffic with these alternate route signs.

Normally the signs will display a route marker but if the interstate is shutdown TXDOT will flip the sign and show an alternate route that is pink with black lettering.

"We will use the signs to detour the traffic. For example; turn right at this next intersection, turn left, turn left again and then turn right to get you back on Interstate 10," Fino said.

He also said this project is the first of its kind and was created here in El Paso not only to help drivers but for local law enforcement.

"Instead of having them out at each intersection directing traffic we'll have our signs guiding you and law enforcement can be handling the incident," said Fino.

It took almost seven years to map out each section, receive approval and funding for the project. In 2010 TXDOT began installing the solar powered signs that will lead traffic through alternate routes that have been mapped out for each exit along I-10.

Fino said, "If an incident does occur we already have a plan in regards to where were going to get you off and where were going to get you back on."

He also said the project is officially complete but the signs have not been used yet.

TXDOT is working on funding to install these same signs along US-54 from the Border Highway northbound up to McCombs Street.