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City approves 2026 streets improvement program, adds Bob Euchre and Commerce Street repairs and asks staff to study Morris Road expansion
Summary
The City Commission approved the proposed list of streets for the fiscal 2026 Streets Improvement Program, added Bob Euchre Road and a Commerce Street southbound repair, and directed staff to explore larger Morris Road and Roosevelt Road projects with county and regional funding partners.
The Harlingen City Commission approved the list of streets for the fiscal 2026 Streets Improvement Program (SIP) and added two specific items — Bob Euchre Road and the southbound segment of Commerce Street from Fair Park to Wilson Road — after commissioners requested spot repairs on high-complaint corridors. The commission also instructed staff to explore longer-term reconstruction and possible county coordination for Morris Road and West Roosevelt Road.
City Engineer Robert Hernandez told commissioners the city is following a prioritized assessment performed in 2022 and that the department plans design work followed by bidding and in-house construction starting early in fiscal 2026. Hernandez said last year’s in-house program repaved about 7.3 miles; the 2026 cycle targets roughly 10.3 miles, enabled in part by using city crews and purchasing materials directly.
Commissioners discussed localized complaints about Commerce Street and a rough segment leading to the airport. Commissioner Perez asked that Bob Euchre Road be added to the list to support east-side development near the airport; the commission agreed. Commissioner Misner proposed including the southbound half of Commerce Street this year as spot repairs to provide short-term relief while seeking larger grants or phased reconstruction for a full rebuild.
The commission also directed staff to begin conversations with Cameron County and the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (RGB MPO) about converting -- or partnering on -- larger collector and arterial projects (Morris Road, West Roosevelt Road) that would require more extensive design and likely external funding. Commissioners highlighted that Morris Road may need multiple lanes, turning lanes and shoulder work if development pressures increase.
Hernandez said the SIP will address mostly residential streets this cycle, with selected collector streets near schools, and that construction inspection and testing will be handled by engineering and public works staff. The city expects to procure materials including asphalt, caliche and oil and to perform reconstruction where subgrade failure is evident; spot repairs will be used where appropriate.
The commission voted to approve the 2026 SIP with the recommended additions and gave staff authority to initiate studies and county outreach on Morris Road and Roosevelt Road improvements.
The city did not provide a detailed per-street construction timeline at the meeting; staff said the next step is design, followed by bidding and phased construction.
