Photo: Brax - Valley Publishing

Photo: Brax - Valley Publishing

Photo: Brax - Valley Publishing

What seems to be confusing many drivers as they traverse the 3-mile stretch of highway 273, know as Artcraft, is the numerous and non-synchronized speed limits posted along the route.

As drivers travel west on Artcraft from I-10, they are greeted immediately with a 40 M.P.H. Speed Limit sign. Not only is there not a corresponding 40 M.P.H. sign on the east bound lanes but there is not any speed posted for the 1/4 mile prior to the I-10/Artcraft overpass where Artcraft becomes Paseo al Norte.

After approximately 1/4 mile past the 40 M.P.H. sign there is a 55 M.P.H. Speed Limit sign as drivers descend into the valley below.

Again there is not a corresponding 55 M.P.H. Speed Limit sign on the east bound lanes. In fact the east bound lanes have a 60 M.P.H. speed limit posted from near the New Mexico border all the way to Artcraft.

The west bound lanes do reach a 60 M.P.H.speed limit zone after the Upper Valley Road intersection, approximately 1 mile from the New Mexico state line.

El Paso Police Department Sgt. Don Black from the Westside Office said "The speed limits are designated by either the City or the State. We must enforce those posted speed limits."

The posted speed limit in New Mexico is 55 M.P.H. in both directions from McNutt Road to the Texas state line.

Texas Department of Transportation officials are reviewing the data presented by The Upper Valley Beacon and indicated that the proposed speed limits were about to be sent to Austin for finalization.

According to TxDOT officials things may get more confusing. There is also a 45 M.P.H. speed limit area being proposed near that of the 40 M.P.H. posted speed limit.

TxDOT officials will later tour the site with the Upper Valley Beacon staff.

If you have any concerns about the signage or the speed limits on Artcraft you may contact Carlos Cruz at TxDOT. The number is 915-790-4307.

Send feedback to:

Editor, Upper Valley Beacon

© Copyright 2004-2005 Valley Publishing Company: All Rights Reserved.
For questions or comments concerning this site, contact: webmaster@valleypublishinginc.biz

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.