Road construction minimal this winter

Visitors heading into South Texas will see much less road construction this winter compared to the same time last year, according to state transportation officials.

The Rio Grande Valley’s three major interstate highways, U.S. Highway 83, U.S. Highway 77 and U.S. Highway 281, are without major detours or lane closures, said Mario Jorge, a district engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation.

Inside the Valley, drivers should watch out for minor roadwork on Ware Road between 3 Mile Line and Highway 107.
“It’s best to avoid” the area, Jorge said.

Drivers should expect isolated detours along 107 in Edcouch, where crews are resurfacing road pavement and doing other minor repairs.

Road projects to create pathways toward new international bridges in Mission and Donna should not affect regular traffic.

On roads most traveled by Winter Texans in Western Hidalgo County, Jorge advised that drivers use caution when steering down the expressway’s frontage road in Palmview.

“If they have a trailer, they should be careful in case it’s down to one lane there,” Jorge said.

Jorge advised snowbirds leaving the Valley to use caution when heading north on 281 in Falfurrias because of ongoing construction there. That project will likely continue for about two years, he added.

“They’re building five overpasses over there,” he said. “It’ll (eventually) make it a faster commute.”

Ana Ley covers law enforcement and general assignments. She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.