Texas officials plan to open part of the Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi by the end of June.
The bridge project, which will replace the older Corpus Christi Harbor Bridge built in the 1950s, will be the largest structure of its kind in the state once it opens.
Newsweek contacted the Texas Department of Transportation for more information on the construction process via email.
The Context
The change in traffic patterns will allow for further construction phases and aims to reduce congestion in the area. The project has been underway for several years, but has experienced delays due to construction and engineering concerns. Officials from the Texas Department of Transportation say the upcoming shift will allow them to maintain progress on remaining work.
What to Know
Southbound traffic headed into Corpus Christi will be rerouted onto the bridge structure, according to local media reports from KRIS 6.
The opening was originally scheduled for May but was postponed for final checks on the structure, which authorities say has already been completed.
The bridge will have a main span of 1,661 feet, making it the longest cable-stayed bridge in the state.
The new structure, which has a vertical clearance of 205 feet over the ship channel, is designed to accommodate larger ships and increase vehicle traffic capacity. The structure will become the tallest in South Texas once finished.
Originally scheduled to open in 2020, the $930 million project has experienced multiple construction stoppages.
In 2022, design issues with critical bridge elements were raised by inspectors, leading to a pause in construction while plans were revised.
Authorities later reached a new agreement with builder Flatiron/Dragados, including an additional $400 million payment to update portions of the design and continue construction.
What People Are Saying
The Texas Department of Transportation said in a May statement: “Unexpected construction delays related to minor items of work have recently arisen that will affect the opening date of the bridge. These items include completion of electrical, signing and drainage work.
“At this point, the New Harbor Bridge is structurally complete. Completion of the remaining items is necessary to ensure the bridge is the first-class transportation structure the public deserves.
“Once the developer works through these remaining items a new date will be announced for the ribbon cutting.”
What’s Next
Full completion is projected for 2026, according to KRIS 6.
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