Texas Border Business
KENEDY COUNTY – The goal to turn US 77 into an interstate (I-69E) from I-37 in Corpus Christi to Brownsville is taking another significant step forward this year, with a total of $364 million to be awarded for interstate upgrades in Kenedy County.
$191 million of those funds will be used to construct main lanes and overpasses on US 77 from
1.46 miles north of Norias Road to 1.34 miles north of the Willacy/Kenedy County line. Construction is set to begin in late spring or early summer.
Another $173 million will be awarded this fall to make similar improvements to US 77 from 9.6 miles north of Norias Road to 1.46 miles north of Norias Road.
“The projects, in general, in Kenedy County will have overpasses every five miles or so to allow turnaroundsfor emergency vehicles and to provide access to major ranches in the area,” said Pete Alvarez, District Engineer for the TxDOT Pharr District.
“Both of these projects have two lanes in each direction with shoulders, and in the future, they will have two-lane main lanes in each direction. We’re adding overpasses, and we’re adding frontage roads at the major ranch entrances.”
Overall, the roadway improvements are expected to enhance safety and increase mobility and connectivity inthe region. The completion of the new infrastructure, adding approximately 16 lane miles to I-69E, is expected to take three to four years.
Watch a video of the project information below:
