Road construction affected by pandemic shortages

EL PASO, Texas (CBS4) — While construction on Transmountain is getting closer to completion according to TxDOT, the exact date as to when it will be done is unknown.

“I hesitate to say. I really can’t tell,” said Jennifer Wright, a spokesperson for TxDOT said the pandemic has made the project harder to complete.

“There’s been some delays due to staffing issues on the project. Some of the delay which can probably be attributed to the pandemic and then there’s also been some material shortages,” said Wright.

Drivers said the project has made traveling on Transmountain challenging.

“I would recommend that all drivers be cautious and be careful going down the hill and coming up the hill,” said driver Lilian Charey.

TxDOT said the benefits outweigh the headaches.

“We resurfaced it and so there’s a better drive associated with the project and then the enhanced drainage that is going to be placed is going to help reduce the amount of water deterioration that happens,” said Wright.