• Tracking the Progress of Interstate 69 in Texas
» Wharton Relief Route Work Underway
A ceremonial groundbreaking for the I-69 Wharton Relief Route brought out local leaders and friends of I-69 on May 22nd. The $343 million project will convert the existing 4-lane relief route into a full interstate highway standard freeway. It includes 7.8 miles of roadway and full replacement of the bridges over the Colorado River on the south side of Wharton. Construction started with right-of-way clearing and is expected to be complete and open to traffic in 2029. Ceremony speakers included County Judge Phil Spenrath, State Rep. Stan Kitzman, Mayor Pro Tem Russell Machann, TxDOT Yoakum District Engineer Martin Horst and Area Engineer Ryan Simper.
Nearby bridge construction and pouring of concrete main lanes is progressing on a 6.2 mile section of I-69 between Kendleton and the north edge of Wharton. This $169 million project was started in 2020 and is scheduled to be fully open to traffic in mid-2025.
» Productive I-69 DC Fly-In
A multi-state delegation of I-69 supporters returned to Washington in April for face-to-face conversations with Members of Congress, Capitol Hill staffers and Administration officials. The mission was to highlight the national significance of I-69 and the need for federal funding to support the project. Leaders from several of the other seven states along the I-69 Corridor stretching to Michigan participated in the Fly-in to further underscore the national merits and impact of I-69. The Alliance thanks the sponsors that helped make the Fly-in such a productive event in 2024.
Thanks to our I-69 DC Fly-In Sponsors:
» Ceremony Kicks Off Laredo Project
Laredo area community leaders celebrated the start of a $360 million project to upgrade 4.7 miles of US 59 in the city to an urban freeway as part of the Interstate 69 System in Texas. The February 12 ceremony marked the start of the largest freeway project ever in Webb County.
[Full Report With Map]
» Connectivity and Economic Development
The Texas Department of Transportation is the state’s most important economic development entity. That was a key message delivered by Alex Meade, a member of the Texas Transportation Commission since April, speaking to those attending the Alliance for I-69 Texas 2023 Annual Meeting on Nov. 30 in Houston. He stressed the importance of local communities and TxDOT working together to speed up development of connectivity projects. [Full Report]
» A Successful I-69 Day in Austin
More than a dozen Alliance board members and friends of I-69 participated in the 2023 I-69 Day in Austin during the session of the Texas Legislature. They were able to interact with more than two dozen offices of House members and Senators. During the morning orientation session the group heard from Blake Calvert, policy advisor to Gov. Greg Abbott and a former TxDOT legislative liaison. He stressed the importance of protecting the current revenue streams that are allowing Texas to make significant investments in highways. The group was able to meet informally with Sen. Robert Nichols, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, and Rep. Terry Canales, chairman of the House Transportation Committee. The I-69 Corridor runs through both of their legislative districts.
» I-69 About Preparing for the Future
I-69 development across Texas is in not just about building a new interstate. TxDOT Deputy Executive Director Brandye Hendrickson told those attending an Alliance Annual Meeting that I-69 is really about preparing for the state's future and the demands for mobility that come from an expanding population and expanding commerce and trade. [Full Report]
» Celebrating More Miles of I-69
A 5.6-mile section of US 77 in South Texas has been added to the national Interstate Highway System. In 2022 state and local leaders gathered to celebrate the addition to I-69E and to celebrate the signing of 2.5 miles of I-169 in Cameron County, an event delayed for two years by Covid concerns. [Photos]
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[I-69 System Status Report 2023]
[ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM]
[ACEC HIGHWAY FUNDING GAP REPORT]
[VIDEO OF NACOGDOCHES SOUTH PROJECT]\
I-69 System Segments Are Part of National Interstate Highway System
220 TOTAL MILES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE INTERSTATE SYSTEM AND ANOTHER 40 MILES ARE COMPLETE, OPEN TO TRAFFIC AND AWAITING FINAL APPROVAL FOR SIGNING
Serving Texas Ports
The 1,100 miles of existing highways that make up the Interstate 69 Texas System route today serve as critical connectors to the deepwater ports at Houston, Galveston, Texas City, Beaumont, Port Arthur, Freeport, Point Comfort, Corpus Christi and Brownsville. Each completed Interstate 69 upgrade project extends the market reach of all Texas seaports which are vital engines of the Texas economy.
Miles of Existing Freeway
Sections of highway continue to be added to the Interstate Highway System as part of I-69. There are more miles along the I-69 route that are at freeway standard or near that level. More sections will be added to the system as they are evaluated and as projects are completed that provide the required controlled access, free flow and safety features that are the hallmark of interstate highways.