CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — Today, 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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