Planning remains underway for a project that will see the building of a railroad overpass connecting the cities of Texico, New Mexico and Farwell, Texas.
The project, which has been talked about for months with different routes suggested and studied, is being done in a partnership between the New Mexico Department of Transportation and the Texas Department of Transportation.
From previous studies and public input, the bridge will most likely be built in the town of Texico, on the New Mexico side of the border. Upon completion the bridge will lead to the elimination of three existing at-grade surface crossing.
It will also, according to a news release issued by the New Mexico Transportation Department, span an existing Burlington Northern Santa Fe line, allowing the “traveling public to experience continued traffic flow without train delays.”
Transportation officials in both states have said that construction of the new bridge will allow vehicles to enjoy an uninterrupted traffic flow unencumbered by train delays. That flow means fewer potential train and vehicle crashes and a reduction of congestion on streets in both Texico and Farwell.
Drainage areas connected to the bridge are being studied but are not expected to be a part of an official design plan until the bridge’s route is determined.
As currently discussed, what is officially called the Farwell-Texico Bridge Project will go up just to the west of S. Curry Road in Texico.
Public comments on the project are expected to be received by the Texas Transportation Department until May 24.
By Garry Boulard
Image Credit: Courtesy of Pixabay
