US 59 Feasibility Study

Introduction

TxDOT is conducting a feasibility study of interstate designation for US 59 from Bob Bullock Loop to 20.7 miles east of Bob Bullock Loop. The eastern project study limit on US 59 is located approximately 7.5 miles west of FM 2895 in Webb County, Texas. In addition, TxDOT is analyzing potential concepts (or routes) aimed at improving safety, mobility, and capacity in the study area.

Current conditions

Currently, the existing US 59 corridor is a high-speed highway with limited lighting. Depending on the location, there are 1-3 lanes in each direction, with the majority of the corridor having only one lane in each direction. The existing ROW footprint is about 150 feet.

Project background

This stretch of US 59 from the intersection of US 59 and Loop 20 to 7.49 miles west of FM 2895 was designated by Congress (ISTEA, 1991) as one of three high-priority corridors in the Laredo region to become part of the I-69 System, which will ultimately connect Mexico, the United States and Canada. TxDOT has determined that US 59 within the study limits, does not currently meet interstate design standards because it is not currently a controlled access roadway. Upgrading the current roadway to meet interstate system design standards would allow it to be designated as part of the future I-69 and provide connectivity to the rest of the I-69 corridor, per congressional legislation. The overall I-69 System in Texas is being developed through a series of incremental upgrade and relief route projects to bring those highways up to interstate standards.

Proposed improvements

The proposed project would accommodate a four-lane freeway with frontage roads on each side to enhance regional mobility, accommodate for future growth, support economic development and facilitate freight movement.

The typical proposed right-of-way (ROW) would be approximately 400 feet wide, with the minimum and maximum ROW width ranging from 340 feet to 400 feet, respectively. The typical freeway section would consist of two 12-foot-wide travel lanes in each direction with four-foot-wide and 10-foot-wide inside and outside shoulders and two lanes (each 12-foot-wide), one-way frontage roads on either side of the mainlanes.

Get involved

Public involvement is a key component of this Study. Opportunities for public participation include meeting with working groups, regular coordination with elected officials and government staff, stakeholder meetings, community surveys, and public meetings.