KENEDY COUNTY, Texas — The I-69 East Project is taking a big step forward as the Texas Department of Transportation is investing $346 million dollars for interstate upgrades for 20 miles of the Willacy and Kenedy County line to north of Corpus Christi.
The construction on Highway 77 will provide a seamless interstate from Corpus Christi to Brownsville but will take three to four years to complete.
"Essentially what we're doing, these roadways, improvements are going to enhance safety and mobility and connectivity from the border to the rest of Texas and the country," said TXDOT spokesperson Ray Pedreza.
Pedreza said there are two phases to this project. The first phase is currently being built between Kingsville and Riveria. The second phase is set to begin construction soon in Kenedy County.
"The TXDOT Corpus Christi district is meeting us at the county line, they're building up the county upgrades south of the Kleberg County line," Pedreza said.
Several improvements will be made on this interstate that include new main lanes, shoulders, frontage roads, and overpasses.
"And as these new road construction gets underway, we ask drivers to be on the lookout so that everyone stays safe," Pedreza said.
Pedreza said this is an important project because it will not only make the drive between Brownsville to Corpus Christi safer but once it's completed Corpus Christi will be part of a highway line that connects Mexico to Canada.