June 15, 2011

The Texas Transportation Commission has approve two I-69 route projects for funding under TxDOT's pass-through financing program.

The pass-through financing program allows local entities to pay for construction projects and then be reimbursed a portion of the cost by TxDOT over time through a fee for each vehicle that drives on the new section of highway.

US 77 AT SH 550

The first is a $25.5 million project to be funded through the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA). It will consist of direct connector ramps linking the US 77 freeway in Brownsville with the CCRMA's new SH 550 Toll Road.

The toll road has been under development for the past two years and the first phase consisting of an overpass over FM 1847 and the Union Pacific Railroad was opened to traffic in March. It will eventually be 10 miles long and reach from US 77 to the main turning basin at the Port of Brownsville.

US 281 AT ENCINO

The second project is a $9.2 million overpass on US 281 in Brooks County at the intersection of FM 755, approximately 40 miles north of Edinburg. The Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority (HCRMA) will provide the up-front project financing and be reimbursed by TxDOT.

This project had been identified as a high priority for improving safety. Drivers turning on to US 281 in the wide open ranch country sometimes misjudge the distance and speed of oncoming traffic.

The project will also eliminate another choke point between Hidalgo County's international bridges and Interstate 37 near George West. It will also enhance Lower Rio Grande Valley hurricane evacuation efficiency.

Fifteen other pass-through projects were approved by TxDOT in the 2011 program, mostly in Central and North Texas.