Henry Cuellar

08/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/08/2024 01:40

Rep. Cuellar Celebrated the Completion of I-35 Shiloh Project, Commencement of SH 84 Project

Congressman Henry Cuellar, Ph.D. (TX-28) celebrated the completion of the I-35 Shiloh project and the commencement of the SH 84 project.

"Investing in our roads and infrastructure is crucial for our communities. These projects will ease traffic congestion, improve safety, and promote economic opportunities and development," said Dr. Cuellar. "This funding is an investment in our community, and that is why I will continue to work hard to bring in more federal funds to address the growing needs in our community, including infrastructure and safety. Thank you to Webb County, the City of Laredo, and TxDOT for working with me to make these projects possible."

The I-35 Shiloh project began in January 2021. The total project cost was $115 million, $92 million of which are federal funds.

Two new connectors at the I-35/US 59 Loop 20 will improve mobility and traffic flow while also reducing the risk of car accident and injury. The project also built new bridges at mile marker 7 to remove the overhead clearance restriction. I-35 was also widened to add a new lane in each direction to improve capacity.

The new State Highway 84 is expected to be completed in 3.5 years. The project's total cost is $122.2 million, $97.7 million of which are federal funds. The new highway will connect Mines Road (FM 1472) to I-35, including increased durability for heavy truck traffic and bridges at three creek crossings once completed.

Investments in infrastructure not only help us get to our destination faster - it also promotes economic opportunities and development, access to healthcare, and access to education.

Dr. Cuellar has long fought for federal transportation dollars in Webb County. Over $332.6 million in federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act has been announced for projects in Webb County. In the 2024 Unified Transportation Program, $1.9 billion has been authorized for transportation projects in Webb County, $1.5 billion of which is federal funding. Earlier this year, he announced $360 million for the US 59 Loop project, of which $288 million is federal funding.

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