US 59 Loop
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US 59 Loop

Project history

TxDOT is proposing the US 59 Loop Upgrade project. This proposed project will upgrade a portion of the US 59 Loop (dually designated as Loop 20 and locally known as Bob Bullock Loop), from International Boulevard intersection to the US 59/Loop 20 interchange, to an urban expressway that meets interstate standards.

The entire US 59 Loop and Loop 20 corridor was originally constructed as a new-location roadway through mostly undeveloped rangeland in the 1990s and 2000s to provide an efficient alternative arterial roadway connection between south and north Laredo. In 2014, the Texas Transportation Commission and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) re-designated this segment of Loop 20 as US 59 in preparation for one day being upgraded to I-69W. Similarly, the segment of US 59, also known as Saunders, extending from Loop 20 to I-35 is now designated as BU-59Z. Additionally, the Texas Transportation Commission, FHWA, and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) determined that the segment of the US 59 Loop from 0.3-mile west of I-35 to the entrance to the World Trade International Bridge IV met Interstate design standards and was designated as a segment of I-69W.

This proposed US 59 Loop project limits extends from International Boulevard to the existing interchange of US 59/SL 20 and BU 59Z, a distance of 7.198 miles.

It is anticipated that this project will use a combination of federal, state and local funds to implement this work. This project is currently on the Laredo 2015-40 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the 2021 Unified Transportation Plan, and is listed on the 2021-2024 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program as a funded project. The project will be constructed in three phases:

  • Phase 1 – From International Blvd. to 0.4 miles South of University Blvd. (CCSJ 0086-14-075)
  • Phase 2 – From 0.36 miles South of University Blvd. to 0.12 miles South of East Corridor Rd. (Airport) (CCSJ 0086-14-078)
  • Phase 3 – From 0.4 miles North of E. Corridor Rd. (Airport) to US 59 (CCSJ 0086-14-077)

Due to the impacts to park land and the additional environmental coordination needed for Phase 3, the environmental studies were separated into two separate environmentaluments. Phase 1 and 2 are being covered under one Environmental Assessment, and Phase 3 is being done under a separate, independent environmental study.

Project need

This proposed project will meet local and regional future travel demand by increasing capacity of the US 59 Loop by upgrading it to an urban expressway that meets the current FHWA and TxDOT design standards for interstates, bridges and frontage roads. It will also enhance safety by improving access management and reducing conflict points.

Project development

TxDOT has completed the environmental study, called an Environmental Assessment, for Phase 1 and 2 of this project. The EA includes citizen comments and participation and will ultimately provide a road map for improving US 59 to interstate standards. The environmental studies for Phase 3 of this project are still ongoing.  Currently there is funding for construction on US 59 from International Blvd. to US 59.

This project will be constructed in three construction phases:

  • Phase 1 is currently anticipated to let for construction in September 2022. The total estimated construction cost for this phase is currently estimated at approximately $165 million.
  • Phase 2 is currently anticipated to let for construction in August 2024. The total estimated construction cost for this phase is currently estimated at approximately $60 million.
  • Phase 3 is currently anticipated to let for construction in August 2024. The total estimated construction cost for this phase is currently estimated at approximately $60 million.

All phases of this proposed project will include:

Mainlanes

  • Six 12-foot wide travel lanes (three in each direction)
  • 10-foot wide inside shoulder and 10-ft. wide outside shoulder
  • Three-foot tall center traffic barrier
  • Overpasses at Shiloh Blvd., Del Mar Blvd., University Blvd., Jacaman Rd., and E. Corridor Rd. (Airport) intersections.

Frontage roads

  • Three 12-foot wide travel lanes
  • Four-foot wide inside and two-foot wide outside shoulders
  • Six-foot wide sidewalk on the west side of US 59
  • An adjacent 14-foot wide dual use path on the east side of US 59

Downloads

Get involved

Open House style public meetings were held Dec. 1, 2016, and March 28, 2017, for all Phases of this project and provided citizens an opportunity to talk with the project team. On April 12, 2021, a Virtual Public Hearing with an In-Person Option was held for Phases I and 2 to give the public the opportunity to formally get involved, make public comments, and provide input on project design and environmental findings. A public hearing for Phase 3 is not yet scheduled, but will be held at a future date.

To request more information or to schedule a presentation to your group, please contact the Laredo District Public Information Officer at (956) 712-7416.