Texas Border Business
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will host a virtual public meeting with an in-person option to discuss and gather input on the initiation of an environmental impact statement and several conceptual alternatives for the proposed Interstate 69 (I-69) Connector between I-69C/US 281 an I-69E/US 77 in Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties.
The proposed project would evaluate a new connection between I-69C/US 281 and I-69E/US 77 and could include the construction of a highway on a new location for approximately 25 miles,with bridges at major intersections.
The purpose of the public meeting is to present conceptual and primary alternatives, including ano build alternative, for further evaluation in the draft environmental impact statement, and receive public comments on the proposed project.
| Thursday, Jan. 23, 20255 to 7 p.m. CST Santa Rosa High School Cafeteria/Fine Arts102 Jesus R. CruzSanta Rosa, Texas 78593 |
| The virtual public meeting will be available starting Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at www.txdot.gov, by entering the keyword “I-69C/US 281 and I-69E/US 77.” There will be two in-person options: |
| Tuesday, Jan. 21, 20255 to 7 p.m. CSTJ. Economedes High School Cafeteria1414 N. Alamo Rd,Edinburg, Texas 78541 |
The in-person public meeting will be held in an open house format and representatives from TxDOT and project team members will be available to answer questions. Displays and exhibits will be available for viewing both in person and online along with a pre-recorded presentation in English and Spanish. The information presented in the virtual public meeting and in-person open house location are identical, and the opportunities to comment do not differ.
Written comments are requested and may be submitted in person at the meetings; by mail to the TxDOT Pharr District Office, Attn: Edward Paradise, 600 W. Interstate 2, Pharr, TX, 78577; online on the public meeting webpage; or via email to Francisco.Chapa@txdot.gov. All comments must be received on or before Friday, Feb. 7, 2024.
FAST FACTS ABOUT THE PROJECT:
The I-69 Connector is a new, approximately 25-mile freeway that would be built between the general vicinity of Edinburg and north of Harlingen, connecting I-69C to I-69E.
Project cost: Est. $500-750M
Timeline: Environmental clearance expected in 2027 with earliest construction beginning in 2028 or 2029.
There is a range of alternative routes and TxDOT is seeking input from the public to select the best option and to also voice any concerns TxDOT should consider.
Benefits: The I-69 Connector would provide Cameron and Willacy counties another hurricane evacuation route and provide another east-west corridor to lessen congestion on Interstate 2 (I-2). According to our district engineer Pete Alvarez, average daily traffic (ADT) on some segments of I-2 between Pharr & Harlingen are at 150,000, comparable to traffic counts between Austin and San Antonio.
For more information on the project, visit www.txdot.gov or contact Ray Pedraza at (956) 702-6102.
