TxDOT presents $200M-plus plan for Starr County roads, highlights State Loop 195 relief route
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Summary
TxDOT engineers briefed the Starr County Commissioners Court on ongoing and planned road projects, spotlighting a multi-segment State Loop 195 project (segments 1 and 2 fully funded) and a package of improvements that together total more than $200 million in planned investment over the next four fiscal years.
Texas Department of Transportation district staff on June 23 presented a package of ongoing and planned road projects for Starr County that they said together total just over $200 million across fiscal years 2025–2028.
Pedro Alvarez, district engineer for the TxDOT Far South district, told the court State Loop 195 is a priority. "State Loop 195 project ... is scheduled to go to letting this fall, to the tune of approximately $79,000,000," Alvarez said, describing Segment 1 (FM 755 to FM 2167/Hospital Road). He said Segment 2 is also fully funded at roughly $64,000,000 and that Segment 3 is partially funded and awaiting additional resources.
Alvarez framed the project as providing east-west redundancy across the U.S. 83 corridor: when floods or closures block US 83, alternative routes are limited. He said State Loop 195 — together with improvements to connecting roads — is intended to relieve congestion and improve resiliency. "We are in a very good position where we're actually taking the funding ... and pushing it forward," he said, noting TxDOT has worked with landowners and utilities to acquire right of way and adjust utilities ahead of lettings.
TxDOT and county staff reviewed multiple projects and stages: ongoing US 83 widening phases (one in final closeout, another at roughly 24% complete), a safety-illumination project near FM 3167 (about 82% complete), FM 755 reconstruction (27% complete), seal-coat resurfacing on FM 1017, and bridge replacements on Loma Blanca Road (two creek crossings). TxDOT also identified an FM 650 project intended to provide access to a recently developed industrial zone, with a tentative letting in August 2026.
Alvarez said the FY 2025–2028 program for Starr County sums to slightly more than $200 million, including the large State Loop 195 segments and other corridor improvements. He noted potential acceleration of some projects if right-of-way or utility adjustments can be completed sooner than anticipated.
Commissioners and TxDOT also discussed freight and overweight routes. Alvarez said TxDOT is coordinating with local stakeholders to create a concrete-paved overweight corridor from US 83 south to the port of entry to accommodate heavy trucking and to reduce truck traffic on other county roads.
The presentation included an appeal to local governments to plan connecting "spokes" — county or city road improvements that will link local streets to the new loop and maximize its local utility. Alvarez suggested improvements on county and city roads such as Bravo Street, Efrain Ramirez, and San Julian Road to provide access to the new relief route once built.
No formal county action was required for the TxDOT briefing; commissioners expressed support and urged continued coordination. TxDOT staff asked the public and county officials to report maintenance or safety concerns to TxDOT staff so crews can respond.
TxDOT presenters at the meeting included Rio Grande area engineer Anil Flores, district engineer Pedro Alvarez, maintenance section supervisor Fred Lopez and project engineer Emma Nino. Commissioners who asked questions or commented included Commissioner Garza and Commissioner Rodriguez.
