Proposal would tie two bridges at mid-point

An innovative project that would tie two international bridges at center point to both link Brownsville and Matamoros, Mexico, is planned by the state, county and city.

The Texas Department of Transportation, Cameron County and Brownsville propose to tie Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates with a parallel bridge.

Both bridges would be tied, but only at mid-point via a five-lane span.

"I think this (project) is the only one of its kind," County bridge Administrator Pete Sepulveda said.

"It (the tie-in) provides us options," in the movement of traffic, Sepulveda said.

And in connection with the project, the Federal Highway Administration has given notice to the public of an opportunity to provide input regarding the socio-economic and environmental effects of the proposed bridge

In the course of an environmental assessment of the project, FHWA issued the public notice via the Federal Register on Thursday, stating that a public hearing will be scheduled if persons request one on or before 5 p.m. Dec. 15.

A written request can be mailed to the Texas Department of Transportation District Engineer’s Office, P. O. Box 1717, Pharr, Texas, 78577.

The project calls for construction of a four-lane bridge for commercial trucks 32 feet downstream from the Veterans bridge.

The Veterans bridge and the proposed bridge would be connected at midpoint, "to provide flexibility in operation, maintenance, and security," the federal notice states.

In order to accomplish this, five bridge spans near the Rio Grande would join the bridges.

"This transitional connection would allow for one bridge to be operational while maintenance is undertaken on the opposite bridge," the notice states.

Furthermore, "this bridge connection section would allow traffic diversion from one bridge to another in case of an accident or emergency," the FHWA’s notice also points out.

The notice also states that it is not anticipated that the project would displace anyone. The proposal also would not require the purchase of additional rights-of-way and it would be constructed within an existing 300-feet wide right-of-way.

Sepulveda said the project is being developed jointly with Mexico officials.

The federal notice also points out that location maps, design plans, schematic, environmental assessment and other information regarding the proposed project are available for viewing at the TxDOT District office, 600 W. U.S. Expressway 83 in Pharr. The telephone number to schedule a viewing is (956) 702-6100.