CHAMPIONING SMALL BUSINESS JOB CREATORS

Senator Hinojosa recognizes that small businesses are what fuels Texas’ economic engine, as they employ one out of every two Texans. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa has put small businesses at the forefront of Texas’ … Continue reading →

SUPPORTING THE ROLE COMMUNITY COLLEGES PLAY IN OUR ECONOMY

As the demand increases for middle-skilled jobs that require more than a high school diploma, Senator Hinojosa recognizes that community colleges fill a critical role in the effort to prepare Texans with the work skills they need to compete for … Continue reading →

ESTABLISHING AN ENGINEERING PROGRAM AT TEXAS A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI

It is estimated that over 2 million jobs are being created in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. To help meet that need in our region, Senator Hinojosa worked with A&M Corpus Christi and community leaders to secure … Continue reading →

GIVING OUR CHILDREN THE EDUCATION NECESSARY TO COMPETE

Education is the ticket to our children’s future. With more education comes more opportunities to compete for higher paying jobs. But as our school populations are exploding, and college tuition keeps rising, we cannot balance the budget on the backs … Continue reading →

TRANSFORMING THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY THROUGH HIGHER EDUCATION

Senator Hinojosa championed historic legislation with the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 24 which created the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), a top-tier university and medical school, and the second largest Hispanic-serving institution in the nation. SB 24 authorized the … Continue reading →

CRACKING DOWN ON WASTE AND MISMANAGEMENT IN GOVERNMENT

Our lawmakers have a responsibility to save taxpayers’ money by making government more efficient and to ensure the proper oversight of governmental entities. As a recent member of the Sunset Advisory Commission and the Vice Chair of the Senate Finance … Continue reading →

STANDING UP FOR HOMEOWNERS AGAINST UNFAIR WINDSTORM INSURANCE RAISES

Thanks to efforts of Senator Hinojosa and his colleagues, Nueces County families can no longer be slapped with excessive surcharges in the aftermath of a hurricane. In the 2009 Legislative Session, Senator Hinojosa led the negotiations to pass comprehensive Texas … Continue reading →

GIVING LAW ENFORCEMENT THE TOOLS NECESSARY TO SECURE THE BORDER

Senator Hinojosa has led the effort to properly equip the Department of Public Safety to combat drug traffickers and help ease the financial burdens that have been unfairly placed on border communities. Senator Hinojosa understands the importance of giving law … Continue reading →

EXPANDING THE COASTAL ECONOMY

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa secured increased funding for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, including first time funding for the new civil and industrial engineering program. Similarly, Senator Hinojosa obtained additional funds for Del Mar Community … Continue reading →

Senator Chuy Hinojosa Attends the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the New Bridge in Corpus Christi

Posted on June 30, 2025 by hinojosa

On Saturday, State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, and the Coastal Bend legislative delegation joined the Texas Department of Transportation and the community of Corpus Christi for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the new bridge. With a main span length of 1,661 feet and a total span length of 3,295 feet, this bridge is now the largest cable-stayed bridge in the United States, featuring towers that reach 538 feet— surpassing One Shoreline Plaza by over 100 feet. This impressive height makes it the tallest point in South Texas, capable of housing the old Harbor Bridge beneath it.

For more than two decades, Senator “Chuy” Hinojosa has been instrumental in working with TxDOT and local stakeholders to secure funding for the Harbor Bridge Replacement Project, which ended up costing about $1.2 billion.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“It has been a privilege to be part of the process of replacing the Harbor Bridge from start to finish. This monumental undertaking was made possible through the collaboration of the port, industry leaders, the business community, government officials, and the dedicated citizens of Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend.

I was honored to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebrate with the Coastal Bend community. We broke ground on this $1.2 billion project nine years ago, and it was a special moment to be among the first to drive on the new bridge.

The completion of the new bridge complements the Port of Corpus Christi’s recently completed Channel Improvement Project, which deepened the ship channel from 47 feet to 54 feet and widened it from 400 feet to 530 feet. With a vertical clearance of 205 feet above water, the new bridge allows the Inner Harbor to accommodate larger vessels and tankers needed by port customers. As the nation’s leading oil exporter and the fourth-largest port by total tonnage, the Port of Corpus Christi is well-positioned for further growth.

Together, our community, along with our state and federal partners, has forged a legacy that will provide growth and opportunity for generations to come. The new bridge is not just a structure; it symbolizes our commitment to progress, prosperity, and a bright future for Corpus Christi. Just as the Harbor Bridge initiated our economic transformation, this new bridge will pave the way for even greater achievements ahead.

Today is the beginning of a new chapter for the Coastal Bend. As we move forward, let us continue to work together to build a prosperous future and ensure that the legacy of this new bridge reflects the strength and resilience of our community. Thank you to all who made this historic project a reality.”

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