El Paso Downtown Deck Project Still Moving Forward

The long-discussed downtown deck plaza is inching forward again, and the push to literally build a park over Interstate 10 just got a major boost. The Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Policy Board advanced a recommendation for $25 million toward the project, signaling real momentum even though nothing is officially approved yet.

What the Deck Plaza Is Supposed to Do

The idea is simple but ambitious. The deck would cover a stretch of I-10 running through Downtown El Paso, creating a massive public space on top of the freeway. Supporters say it could reconnect parts of downtown that were split by the highway, add green space, boost foot traffic for local businesses, and reshape the area into something closer to a walkable urban hub.

Where the Money Is Coming From

So far, the early funding is stacking up.

• El Paso County voted in June to put in $1 million for the design phase, using certificates of obligation, which means it didn’t require voter approval.
• The City of El Paso is also contributing $1 million.
• The state has kicked in $10 million.
• The final $8 million needed for the design phase is expected to come from a grant that hasn’t been approved yet.

With design alone estimated at $20 million, the $25 million recommendation from MPO leaders would help carry the project into the next major step. If everything lines up, the design could be completed by Fall 2026.

The Big Question: Is This Worth the Price Tag?

Early estimates put the full build-out of the deck plaza at around $412 million, and that number could change once designers finish their work. It’s a huge investment, and depending on who you ask, it’s either a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform downtown or an expensive gamble when El Paso has other needs competing for attention.

What Do YOU Think?

This project is moving closer to becoming a reality, and the conversation is only going to get louder. Do you think a downtown deck plaza would be good for El Paso? Is it a smart long-term investment, or is the price tag too high for what we’d get out of it?

Let us know what side you’re on.

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