TxDOT Pharr District engineer Pete Alvarez gives update on I-69 Connector project

KENEDY COUNTY, Texas – The Texas Department of Transportation’s Pharr District engineer, Pete Alvarez, has given an update on the I-69 Connector project.

This project will connect I-69 East north of Harlingen, with I-69 Central in Edinburg.

Alvarez spoke about the I-69 Connector at a TxDOT groundbreaking ceremony for upgrading US 77 to interstate standard in Kenedy County.

Asked about the connector project, Alvarez said:

“So, with the I-69 Connector, we have initiated the environmental process, and this project is anywhere between 22 to 25 miles in length. The idea there, depending on which route is ultimately selected, we have not made a final decision, but depending on which route is ultimately selected, the project will be 22 to 25 miles long.”

Asked about its importance, Alvarez said:

“The importance of that project is that it will provide a kind of connection for I-69E or US 77 to I-69 Central or US 281. Why is that important? Because as the Valley continues to grow, 1.5 million-plus in population, we’re expected to double to three million by 2050. We need to have alternative routes and corridors that can basically be the infrastructure needs for the region. 

“This, in time, will provide the alternate for I-2. I-2 is obviously well underway. We have six lanes, three in each direction, plus the frontage roads. But that will, in time, based on population, based on vehicle miles traveled and all that good stuff, that’s going to become saturated. So, we need to have an alternative route. I-69 Connector is that alternative.”

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