AUSTIN, TX -- On Thursday, the Texas Transportation Commission held a meeting that included the announcement of the project designer selected for the US 83/US 281 Pharr Interchange Project in Hidalgo County. Dragados- Pulice, a joint venture comprised of Pulice Construction, Inc. and Dragados USA, Inc., with a design-build bid of $303 million, was the best value proposer and was selected as the project designer in charge of the interchange project. At this point, the final terms of the contract will be negotiated and execution is set to begin in August of 2019. The anticipated substantial completion of the project will be late 2022.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"This action by the Texas Transportation Commission is one of the last steps before actual construction of the new interchange can begin. This project, when completed, will address current congestion problems, public safety concerns and will provide the infrastructure needed to continue the economic and population growth of the Rio Grande Valley.

I appreciate TxDOT leadership and the Commissioners for their strong commitment to the Pharr Interchange Project over the past few years. The completion of this project will be considered one of the largest investments in our region and will support the Valley's economic future. The reconstruction of this key interchange will reduce congestion to keep people and goods moving, better prepare us for future growth, and also improve the quality of life for our RGV residents."

The Pharr Interchange Project provides for full reconstruction of the US 83/US 281 interchange to include two-lane direct connectors in all four directions. The US 83 general purpose lanes will be reconstructed and/or widened from six to eight non-tolled general purpose lanes (four in each direction) from 2nd Street to the US 83/US 281 interchange, while operational improvements include the reconfiguration of main lane ramps on US 83 from 2nd Street to FM 2557 (S. Stewart Road) and improvements to the approaches and departures to and from the direct connectors along US 281 from Nolana Loop to US 83 in McAllen, Pharr, and San Juan, in Hidalgo County, Texas.

###