𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗦𝗩𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗡 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗜𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗪𝗘 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗦𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗠 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗟 𝗗𝗢

     by Jim Barton, Source: City of Brownsville website

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville is poised to undergo a major transportation transformation in 2026 with the launch of a new Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), made possible by $27.8 million in funding secured from the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization. The investment marks a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure, improve traffic flow, and enhance public safety across its growing urban landscape.

An Intelligent Transportation System is a technology-driven approach to managing and improving transportation networks. By integrating advanced information and communication technologies into roadways, traffic signals, vehicles, and public transportation, ITS optimizes traffic flow, reduces congestion, and improves the overall travel experience for drivers, pedestrians, and public transit users.

The system relies on real-time data from sensors, cameras, and communication devices to monitor traffic conditions, detect incidents, and dynamically adjust traffic signals or reroute vehicles. This allows for quicker response to road conditions and accidents, resulting in safer, more efficient, and more sustainable transportation.

Brownsville’s ITS improvements will include adaptive traffic signals, real-time traffic monitoring, smart surveillance systems, and signal upgrades along key corridors. These initiatives aim to streamline traffic management and reduce delays while also supporting broader goals related to public safety and environmental sustainability.

The following major projects will be funded through the newly secured $27.8 million:

• Citywide ITS Capital Improvement Project – $10.3 million

• International Boulevard Traffic Signal Improvement – $5.4 million

• E. 12th Street Traffic Signal Improvement – $5 million

• Deployment of Traffic Signal System Equipment – $4.5 million

• Traffic Monitoring and Signalized Roads Management – $2.4 million

“This investment marks a pivotal moment for Brownsville,” said Mayor John Cowen, Jr. “We’re taking bold action to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and ensure our growing community can move even more safely and efficiently. I’m proud to have championed this initiative alongside our City Commission, city management, and multimodal transportation teams.”

City Manager Helen Ramirez added that the upgrades would address long-needed improvements across the city’s traffic infrastructure. “This major investment allows us to advance system-wide improvements that will make our roads safer for all motorists. It also underscores our commitment to building a more connected and responsive transportation network that supports regional economic growth.”

The ITS projects align with Brownsville’s broader strategic goals of mobility, public safety, and Smart City integration. In partnership with NTT DATA, the city is also working to deploy a Private 5G network, enabling real-time data analytics and artificial intelligence to further enhance transportation efficiency and urban services.

Construction on the ITS projects is expected to begin in May 2026, setting the stage for a smarter, safer, and more connected future for the residents of Brownsville.