RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – The highly anticipated State Loop 195 project in Starr County is now a priority for the Texas Department of Transportation, Governor Greg Abbott announced.
The 17.4-mile State Loop 195 project is located in Starr County and runs through the boundaries of Rio Grande City, the town of Escobares and the town of Roma. The project involves the construction of a new four-lane expressway beginning at FM 755, 2.5 miles northeast of US 83 in Rio Grande City, and ending approximately one mile west of Loma Blanca Road along US 83.
In a press release from Governor Abbott, the project was listed as a priority for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Pharr District. The press release also noted the record $148 billion invested in Texas’ transportation infrastructure.
The press release stated: “Priority projects in the TxDOT Pharr District include State Loop 195 in Starr County, a bypass of US 83 from Roma to Rio Grande City, the International Bridge Trade Corridor (IBTC), a proposed toll-free, four-lane expressway that would provide direct interstate access to several international ports of entry, and upgrading US 281 (Hidalgo County) and US 77 (Kenedy County) to interstate levels.”
It also states: “The Pharr District is also prioritizing the development and construction of a second South Padre Island Causeway and is currently providing upgrades and road improvements to the existing SH 4 between Brownsville and Starbase Texas (SpaceX).”
Pete Alvarez, TxDOT Pharr District Engineer, said, “State Loop 195 is a relief route in Starr County, essentially from Loma Blanca, where this project begins, back to FM 755, north of Rio Grande City. Why is this important? This relief route will provide an alternate route for US 83, so the trucking industry and others can use this relief route. The idea here is essentially to move the truck portion of it north of the urbanized area.”
Abbott said this investment includes the unanimous adoption of the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) over $104 billion 10-year transportation plan to improve safety, combat congestion and connectivity, and preserve roads for Texas motorists. He said over $43 billion is also earmarked for development and routine maintenance. This is a $5.6 billion increase in total investment from last year.
“Strengthening our roads and transportation infrastructure is critical to ensuring Texas remains the best state for business in the country,” Abbott said. “By adopting this record-breaking $148 billion transportation investment, Texas will continue to meet the needs of Texans in rural, urban and metropolitan communities while improving traffic congestion and safety. People come to Texas because we offer them the freedom and opportunity they can’t find anywhere else, and that’s why we’re investing in the future of Texas roads. Projects like this will ensure our products and people move quickly to keep the Texas economy booming. Together, we’re building a bigger, better Texas for years to come.”
Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr. agreed. He said, “With a booming population and economy, TxDOT is seizing the opportunity with a record investment in our state road network to ensure Texas remains the preferred destination for families and businesses. Thanks to the vision of Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature, this historic transportation investment with a focus on safety and congestion relief will help meet the needs of Texans for years to come.”
According to Bugg, many of the projects in the 2025 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) are stretches of roadway that are on the list of the 100 busiest roads in Texas. According to Bugg, funding for Texas Clear Lanes congestion relief projects will be increased by $1.9 billion, supporting total investments of $75.8 billion for completed, under construction and planned toll-free projects since 2015. Bugg also said investments of about $17.3 billion are planned for safety, as well as an additional $1.7 billion for rural corridors and key roads in economic centers. A full breakdown is available online.
TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said the adoption of the 2025 UTP follows an extensive public participation process that allowed all Texans to voice their opinions on the projects in their communities. Public comments collected through a public hearing, as well as online, by phone, email and other formats, were considered before the Texas Transportation Commission approved the UTP.
Williams pointed out that UTP is a planning document that authorizes the development and construction of highway projects. In addition to highway projects, Williams said the UTP also includes investments in public transport, maritime, aviation and rail. Projects are selected based on how effectively they address areas such as road conditions, safety, capacity and rural connectivity.
“This investment impacts communities across the state with projects that can save lives and improve connectivity. TxDOT has a record number of active construction projects this year, and this will help continue the work of moving people and goods safely and efficiently in our rural, urban and metropolitan areas,” Williams said.
Editor’s note: Click here for more information on the UTP projects.