Laredo, TX – Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) secured $18,737,640.47 for the US 59 (LP 20) over Interstate Highway (IH) 35 & Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) Overpass Project. Both federal and state funds were used to complete the 25-month project and approximately 80 percent of that funding came through the federal level. The completion of this overpass will expand mainlanes, alleviate congestion by ridding of traffic bottlenecks, and allow swifter trade between the US-Mexico border.

The overpass connects the existing I-69 W and US 59 Loop mainlanes, east- and westbound, over Interstate Highway 35 to the existing McPherson Road and International Boulevard interchange projects east of I-35, and Farm to Market Road 1472 and World Trade Bridge east of I-35.

“I’m proud to have fought for and secured over $18 million for this project and want to thank the Texas Department of Transportation, City of Laredo, Webb County and the Webb County-City of Laredo Regional Mobility Authority for their assistance in making this overpass a main priority,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This will greatly improve travel within our community, as well as improve the commute for those who travel to and from the US-Mexico border. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to ensure that federal funding is being used to enhance our district’s infrastructure and roadways.”

The overall cost for the project is amounted to $25,800,849.36. Approximately 80 percent of funding came in Federal Funds ($18,532,835.59), which included Coordinated Border Infrastructure Funds ($204,804.88), totaling for a combined $18,737,640.47. The remaining 20 percent of funding came at the state level in Traditional State Highway Funds ($4,633,208.89) and Proposition 1 State Funds ($2,430,000.00).

With the project being complete, five direct connectors remain to be built. Currently, the Texas Department of Transportation has funding for three of the five direct connectors.

The ceremony took place at Interstate Highway 69W eastbound mainlane approaching Interstate Highway 35.

Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) at the US 59 (LP 20) & IH 35 ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Pete Saenz, State Representative Tracy King, State Senator Judith Zaffirini, the Honorable Tano Tijerina, David Salazar, Interim Co-City Manager Robert Eads, and members of Texas Depatment of Transportation.