PORTLAND, Texas — As the Texas Department of Transportation continues efforts to widen US 181 in Portland, the area is benefiting from the road finally opening up.
It is about a two-year project so far to widen that stretch of the highway. Portland city officials said that Portland's population increased about 50 percent throughout the last decade. They said that is why it is important for TxDOT to widen and improve US 181.
"For the connectivity, for residents of businesses as well as overall traffic safety," Portland Deputy City Manager Brian DeLatte said.
He said that once the TxDOT project is complete, about 70,000 cars will travel along that corridor in Portland every day.
Rockport Police Department Patrol Officer Delano Burnette lives in Corpus Christi. He said lanes opening in Portland means improved travel times and less traffic backups during his commute.
"I had to make more time in the morning to get to work and even in the evenings, especially with all the traffic going to the refineries and leaving from the refineries," he said.
Burnette started working for RPD in February. He said there are now three lanes open instead of two when he drives north. He explained that there is a safety benefit to the traffic improvements.
"With the flow of traffic being a lot better, cuts down on the likelihood of accidents," Burnette said.
DeLatte said that he is excited for the completion of the US 181 project. He added that it can lead to further development and more people wanting to live in Portland.
"You likely wouldn't have the Target opening this year if it weren't for the widening of US 181," DeLatte said. "So, we're going to see additional businesses coming into the area because of the improved connectivity."