Contact:
Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa – (512) 463-0120
Rep. Abel Herrero – (512) 463-0462
Rep. Todd Hunter – (512) 463-0672
Austin, TX – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently directed Flatiron/Dragados, LLC to suspend construction of the main-span of the new cable-stayed bridge in Corpus Christi. The suspension stems from TxDOT’s concerns, confirmed by independent reviews, regarding the overall design of the main-span part of the bridge. Since this announcement, our offices have been receiving many calls about this decision and its impact to the residents of the Coastal Bend.
As your state elected officials, we have been in communication with TxDOT’s District Engineer and its leadership in Austin to make the following clear. Public safety and transparency are a priority. It is important for the public to know TxDOTs reasoning for their decision to direct the suspension of construction of the main-span and we expect the agency to release the findings of the independent reviewer as soon as possible. We also expect Flatiron/Dragados to address the issues and concerns identified in the review in an expeditious manner with safety as a priority. It is also our expectation and understanding that construction crews will continue working on parts of the project not related to the main-span. We have been informed that there will be no additional local funds required for any delays or changes to the project. We also expect to be updated as significant changes or decisions are made regarding the Harbor Bridge Project.
TxDOT will provide an update to the residents of Nueces and San Patricio Counties of their review of the project. Any questions from the public or the media can be made to Rickey Dailey with the TxDOT Corpus Christi District Office at (361) 808-2544.