TxDOT seeking public input for proposed Valley-wide interstate connector

The Texas Department of Transportation is seeking the public’s input on the initiation of an environmental impact statement and several conceptual alternatives for the proposed Interstate 69 Connector.

The proposed I-69 Connector would be built between the general vicinity of Edinburg and north of Harlingen, connecting U.S. 281 and U.S. 77 in the 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,” TxDOT said in a news release.

This map illustrates four conceptual alternatives for the proposed Interstate 69 (I-69) Connector project. (Courtesy: Texas Department of Transportation/TxDOT).

The project is estimated to cost around $500-750 million, with the environmental clearance expected in 2027 and the earliest construction beginning in 2028 or 2029.

“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),” the release stated. “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.”

TxDOT will host a virtual public meeting in addition to in-person opportunities. The virtual meeting will be available on Jan. 20 at www.txdot.gov, by entering the keyword “I-69C/US 281 and I-69E/US 77.”

The first in-person meeting will be on Jan. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Johnny Economedes High School’s cafeteria, located at 1414 N. Alamo Rd. in Edinburg. The second in-person meeting will take place at the same time on Jan. 23 at Santa Rosa High School’s cafeteria, located at 102 Jesus R. Cruz St.

Both in-person meetings will be held in an open house format, with representatives from TxDOT and project team members available to answer questions, the release stated.

Additionally, displays and exhibits will be available for viewing in-person and online, along with a pre-recorded presentation in English and Spanish.

“The purpose of the public meeting is to present conceptual and primary alternatives, including a no build alternative, for further evaluation in the draft environmental impact statement, and receive public comments on the proposed project,” TxDOT said in the release.

Written comments are also requested and may be submitted in person at the meetings, via email to Francisco.Chapa@txdot.gov, or by mail to the TxDOT Pharr District Office with the following address: Attn: Edward Paradise, 600 W. Interstate 2, Pharr, TX, 78577.

All comments must be received on or before Feb. 7.

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