The El Paso County region is experiencing a period of accelerated population and economic growth that is placing additional strain on the regional transportation network. Current traffic levels, which are already quite heavy in several corridors within the region, are expected to increase as the Fort Bliss military installations receive additional soldiers, the new Texas Tech Medical School opens, and the maquila industry in Ciudad Juarez regains speed. In addition to local growth of the El Paso metro area, increasing global trade activities are also contributing to higher traffic levels. East-west rail and truck traffic is expected to increase due to the growth in the commercial activities fueled by the ports in the West Coast.