Harbor Bridge Development, Reconstruction Moving Forward

State seeks developer for design, construction of vital Corpus Christi bridge

AUSTIN – Reconstruction of the Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi took another step forward recently with the Texas Transportation Commission’s approval to seek a design-build contractor.

The Texas Department of Transportation is seeking to package the project under a single agreement to design and build the $700 million, 3.6-mile project and demolish the existing facility once the new project is open to traffic. Traditionally, those efforts are undertaken by separate contractors.

“This is a significant milestone for the project and approximately two years earlier than our original schedule,” said James Bass, TxDOT interim executive director. “We could not be more proud of the partnership forged by local, state and private entities to accelerate this project and get us to this point.”

The design-build approach helps expedite a project’s design and construction. TxDOT received authority from the 83rd Texas Legislature under Senate Bill 1730 to develop the Harbor Bridge Project under this arrangement. While these innovative contracts allow the department to contract with the private sector for various aspects of design, construction, and potentially maintenance of the project, the state retains operations and ownership of the project at all times.

For more information, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.