Engineering staff says TxDOT must be included to complete road to World Trade Bridge import lot

Engineering staff told the Port of Entry Advisory Committee that revised plans for the road connecting River Road to the World Trade Bridge import lot have been submitted to the Texas Department of Transportation and that staff is waiting for TxDOT comments. Gloria Perez Avedra of the engineering department presented the update and asked that TxDOT attend a future meeting so the parties can coordinate. Why it matters: The committee said the access road is needed to support bridge operations and adjacent import lots, and members expressed frustration that the project has moved more slowly than other local road projects. Committee members voted to ask staff to invite TxDOT to a subsequent meeting so both agencies can address outstanding technical reviews together. Engineering staff said a meeting was held to explain the design and that TxDOT’s response is pending. Members suggested that the port engineering staff and TxDOT meet together and that the committee be briefed when both entities can attend. The motion to request TxDOT’s presence and to have staff coordinate received a second and passed without recorded opposition. Next steps: Staff will reissue invitations and coordinate a joint meeting with TxDOT, and will return with an update once TxDOT’s review comments are received.