Starr County’s State Loop 195 project is now a TxDOT priority

RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – The eagerly anticipated State Loop 195 project in Starr County is now a priority for the Texas Department of Transportation, Gov. Greg Abbott has announced.

The 17.4 mile State Loop 195 project is located in Starr County and traverses the limits of Rio Grande City, the City of Escobares and the City of Roma. The project consists of constructing a new location 4-lane divided highway beginning at FM 755, which is 2.5 miles northeast of US 83 in Rio Grande City and ending approximately one mile West of Loma Blanca Road along US 83.

The project was listed as a priority for TxDOT’s Pharr District in a press release from Gov. Abbott that highlighted a record $148 billion in total investment for Texas’ transportation infrastructure.

The press release stated: “In the TxDOT Pharr District, priority projects include State Loop 195 in Starr County, a U.S. 83 relief route from Roma to Rio Grande City; the International Bridge Trade Corridor (IBTC), a proposed non-tolled, four-lane divided highway that would provide direct interstate access for several international ports of entry; and upgrading US 281 (Hidalgo County) and US 77 (Kenedy County) to interstate standards.”

It also stated: “The Pharr District is also prioritizing the development and construction of a second South Padre Island Causeway and currently providing upgrades and pavement improvements for the existing SH 4 between Brownsville and Starbase Texas (SpaceX).” 

TxDOT Pharr District Engineer Pete Alvarez said: “State Loop 195 is a relief route in Starr County, basically from Loma Blanca, where this project begins, back to FM 755, north of Rio Grande City. Why is that important? This relief route will provide an alternative route for US 83 so that the trucking industry and others will be able to utilize this relief route. The idea here is basically to move the trucking component of this to north of the urbanized area.”

Abbott said this investment includes the unanimous adoption of the more than $104 billion ten-year transportation plan by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to improve safety, address congestion and connectivity, and preserve roadways for Texas drivers. He said it also includes over $43 billion for development and routine maintenance. This is a $5.6 billion increase in total investment from the previous year.

“Strengthening our roadways and transportation infrastructure is critical for Texas to remain the Best State for Business in the nation,” Abbott said. “With the adoption of this record-breaking $148 billion transportation investment, Texas will continue to meet the needs of Texans in rural, urban, and metropolitan communities while also improving roadway congestion and safety. People come to Texas because we provide the freedom and opportunity they can’t find anywhere else, and that’s why we’re investing in the future of Texas roads. Projects like this will ensure our products and people can move quickly to keep the Texas economy booming. Together, we are building a bigger, better Texas for years to come.”

Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr., agreed. He said: “With a booming population and economy, TxDOT is meeting the moment with a record investment in our state roadway system to ensure Texas remains the preferred destination for families and businesses. Thanks to the vision of Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature, this historic transportation investment focusing on safety and congestion relief will help meet the needs of Texans for years to come.”

Bugs said many of the projects in the 2025 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) are roadway segments identified on Texas’ 100 Most Congested Roadways list. Her said Texas Clear Lanes congestion-relief projects will see an increase in funding of $1.9 billion, supporting the $75.8 billion total investment for completed, under-construction, and planned non-tolled projects since 2015. Bugs said it also includes around a $17.3 billion investment in safety and an additional $1.7 billion in funding for rural corridors and key roadways in economic hubs. A full breakdown is available online.

TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said the adoption of the 2025 UTP comes after an extensive public-involvement process to allow all Texans to voice their opinions on the projects in their communities. Public comments, collected via a public hearing and online, phone, email, and other formats were considered before the Texas Transportation Commission approved the UTP.

Williams pointed out that UTP is a planning document that authorizes highway projects for development and construction. In addition to highway projects, Williams said, the UTP also includes investments in public transportation, maritime, aviation, and rail. Projects are selected based on how effective they are in addressing areas such as pavement condition, safety, capacity and rural connectivity.

“This investment impacts communities across the state, with projects that can help save lives and improve connectivity. TxDOT has a record amount of active construction projects this year, and this will help continue that work of moving people and goods safely and efficiently in our rural, urban and metropolitan areas,” Williams said.

Editor’s Note: Click here for more information on the UTP projects.

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