𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆-𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐀𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐖𝐀𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐏𝐈 𝐌𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐒𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐋𝐘

 

Plans for a second causeway connecting South Padre Island to the mainland are moving ahead, following a key decision by the Texas Transportation Commission to officially designate the future bridge as State Highway 104. This designation brings the project into the state highway system, opening the door for additional funding and accelerating development efforts.

The proposed causeway would span about 11 miles, with roughly eight miles crossing water. It will link Farm-to-Market Road 106 on the mainland to Park Road 100 on South Padre Island, approximately three to four miles north of the existing Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge, the only current roadway access to the island, which was partially destroyed in a barge accident in 2001.

Texas Transportation Commissioner Alex Meade called the designation an important first step in the planning and construction process. He emphasized that the project’s success will depend on strong collaboration between the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), local governments, and regional planning groups. Cameron County and the TxDOT Pharr District, which pushed for the project’s inclusion in the state system, have long highlighted the need for a second causeway to support hurricane evacuations and emergency access.

Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. thanked Governor Greg Abbott, TxDOT leaders, and the Rio Grande Valley delegation for backing the causeway’s transition to a state-led project. TxDOT is now overseeing the environmental review, which is being carried out by the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority (CCRMA) through a partnership with the county and the city of South Padre Island. Environmental clearance is expected by summer 2026, with construction potentially beginning as early as 2029.

Tijuana's elevated highway connecting coastal areas with the airport

Pete Sepulveda, Executive Director of CCRMA, described the causeway as a once-in-a-generation project for the Rio Grande Valley, comparing its scale to major infrastructure undertakings in other regions, such as Tijuana’s elevated highway connecting coastal areas to its airport. While that project is nearly 80% complete despite delays, Sepulveda said the South Padre project aims to do more than just ease traffic, it’s about safety, preparedness, and regional growth.

Sepulveda noted that public support has been strong for years. At a 2012 environmental hearing, nearly 90% of over 800 attendees voiced approval for the new bridge. Now that TxDOT is officially leading the effort, he said local agencies can redirect funds to other pressing needs. The project will use a “design-build” approach to speed up construction, similar to the method used on the Pharr interchange project.

The second causeway is part of a broader, three-part transportation strategy that includes a new I-69 connector from Edinburg to Harlingen and an outer parkway linking I-69E in Harlingen directly to the new bridge. All three projects are undergoing environmental reviews, and officials hope to synchronize their construction timelines.

“This is real planning for real improvements,” Sepulveda said, envisioning a future where residents from cities like McAllen, Edinburg, and Mission can drive directly to the coast, or visitors flying into Harlingen can quickly reach the island. “It’s a little hectic now, and it’ll only get busier between now and 2026,” he added. “But it’s a good project, and we’re really looking forward to getting it done.”