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Officials outline $165 million I‑69C/US‑281 expansion in northern Hidalgo County
Summary
Council heard a TxDOT video and staff briefing on a 7.5–8 mile upgrade to convert US‑281 to I‑69C through northern Hidalgo County, including three overpasses, frontage roads and main lanes; expected completion is October 2028.
City staff presented a video and briefing March 10 on the planned upgrade of US‑281/I‑69C in northern Hidalgo County, a project the presentation described as an approximately 7.5–8 mile corridor upgrade with an estimated construction cost of about $165 million.
The project as described includes three major overpasses (Laguna Seca, Red Gate and Los Venados), frontage roads, main lanes and other work to bring the corridor to interstate standards in phases. The presenter and staff said the contractor is currently preparing right‑of‑way and doing utility adjustments, and that bridge work and phase sequencing will continue over multiple construction stages. Staff noted final speed limits will depend on later traffic studies but suggested a likely range between 65 and 75 mph.
Council members asked about the frequent flooding of frontage roads and whether TxDOT would address inlet maintenance and other mitigation. Staff said they would follow up with TxDOT district contacts and that some maintenance responsibilities have fallen to local municipalities in recent years (for example, mowing and some lighting).
Staff gave an expected overall completion date of October 2028. The council received the update and had no formal vote on the highway project itself during the meeting.
