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Interstate 69W
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.svg) Interstate 69W | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 I-69W Future or proposed segments | ||||
| Route information | ||||
| Auxiliary route of I-69 | ||||
| Maintained by TxDOT | ||||
| Length | 1.436 mi[2] (2.311 km) | |||
| Existed | June 26, 2014[1]–present | |||
| NHS | Entire route | |||
| Major junctions | ||||
| South end | World Trade Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo | |||
  I-35 / US 83 in Laredo | ||||
| North end |   US 59 / Loop 20 in Laredo | |||
| Location | ||||
| Country | United States | |||
| State | Texas | |||
| Counties | Webb | |||
| Highway system | ||||
| ||||
Interstate 69W (I-69W[a]) is a relatively short north–south Interstate Highway running through South Texas in the United States. The freeway begins northeast of the middle of the World Trade International Bridge in Laredo and ends just east of I-35. In the future, I-69W will head northeast for 180 miles (290 km) before terminating near Victoria as both I-69E and I-69W merge to form I-69. For its entire length, I-69W runs concurrently with U.S. Highway 59 (US 59).
Route description
[edit]
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approved the designation of a 1.4-mile (2.3 km) section of freeway in Laredo as part of I-69W. The congressionally designated I-69W corridor begins at the Mexico–U.S. border on the World Trade International Bridge, which connects to Federal Highway 85D (Fed. 85D), at the border in Laredo. It is cosigned with both US 59 and Loop 20 (Bob Bullock Loop) and extends 1.4 miles (2.3 km) to I-35 (which connects to Fed. 85 south of the border).[1]
When extended, I-69W will follow US 59 serving Freer, George West, and Beeville before terminating with I-69E and both interstates meeting I-69 in Victoria. In George West, I-69W will eventually intersect I-69C then I-69W will intersect I-37 east of George West.
History
[edit]The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 included two High Priority Corridors that would later become parts of a proposed cross-country extension of I-69:
- (18) Corridor from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Memphis, Tennessee, via Evansville, Indiana.
- (20) US 59 Corridor from Laredo, Texas, through Houston, Texas, to the vicinity of Texarkana, Texas.[4]
The National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 made further amendments to the description of Corridor 18, specifying that it would serve Mississippi and Arkansas, extending it south to the Mexico–U.S. border in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and adding a short connection at Brownsville. This act also specified that corridors 18 and 20 were "future parts of the Interstate System", to become actual Interstates when built to Interstate standards and connected to other Interstates.[5]
The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), enacted in 1998, greatly expanded the extension to the Lower Rio Grande Valley was detailed as splitting into two routes just south of Victoria, one following US 77 and the other following US 59 and US 281 to the Rio Grande. This act also assigned the I-69 designation to corridors 18 and 20, with the branches on US 77, US 281, and US 59 to the Rio Grande being "Interstate 69 East", "Interstate 69 Central", and "Interstate 69 West", respectively.[6] With TEA-21, the I-69 extension took shape and remains today as those segments.[7]
I-69W was designated in June 2014. Prior to January 2020, traffic at Loop 20/US 59 at I-35 junction, traffic had to continue through frontage roads before overpasses was opened.[8] Various improvements from I-35 to where US 59 split from Loop 20 is underway.
Future
[edit]In the future, I-69W will continue along US 59 east to George West, where it will intersect I-69C. It will then intersect I-37 east of George West and continue east to Victoria, where it will meet with I-69E and continue toward Houston as I-69. The completed I-69W will measure 180 miles (290 km). There are also plans to turn State Highway 44 (SH 44) into an Interstate Highway between Freer, where it will intersect I-69W, and Corpus Christi for about 73 miles (117 km) in order to have a network of Interstate Highways connecting Laredo, the largest inland port on the Mexico–U.S. border, with Corpus Christi, a major seaport and manufacturing center.[9] Construction to extend I-69W to Laredo International Airport began in early 2024 and will be completed by early 2030.[10] Projects to extend the Interstate to the Duval–McMullen county line are currently in the planning stage but not completely funded. Much of existing US 59 will be upgraded.[11][12] The US 59 bridge over the San Antonio River is planned to be replaced, it was funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.[13] Upgrades at the I-37 junction and upgrades of US 59 from I-37 to Beeville is planned.[14]
Exit list
[edit]| County | Location | mi[2] | km | Exit | Destinations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Webb | Laredo | 0.000 | 0.000 | — | International Bridge IV – Mexico | Laredo World Trade Port of Entry; western (southern) end of US 59 overlap / western (northern) end of Loop 20 overlap; road continues into Mexico as Camino al Puente Internacional Comercio Mundial |
| 0 | Back to USA | Southbound exit only | ||||
| 0.245– 1.169 | 0.394– 1.881 | 1 |  FM 1472 (Mines Road) | |||
| 1.368– 1.436 | 2.202– 2.311 | 2 | I-35 (US 83) – Laredo, San Antonio | Signed as exits 2A (north) and 2B (south) northbound; exit 8A on I-35 | ||
| — |  US 59 east (Loop 20 east) | Eastern end of US 59/Loop 20 overlap; US 59/Loop 20 continues east as Bob Bullock Loop; current eastern terminus of I-69W | ||||
| 3.7 | 6.0 | 3 |  McPherson Road[15] | Interchange; westbound exit via the International Boulevard exit; access to Doctors Hospital of Laredo | ||
| 4.7 | 7.6 | 4 | International Boulevard[15] | Interchange | ||
| 6.2 | 10.0 | 6 | Shiloh Drive[15] | Future interchange | ||
| 7.3 | 11.7 | 7 | Del Mar Boulevard[15] | Future interchange | ||
| 8.1 | 13.0 | 8 | University Boulevard – Texas A&M International University[15] | Future interchange | ||
| 9.3 | 15.0 | 9 | Jacaman Road[15] | Future interchange | ||
| 10.5 | 16.9 | 10 |  Laredo International Airport[15] | Future interchange | ||
| 11.5 | 18.5 | 11 |     Loop 20 south (Bob Bullock Loop) / US 59 north (Lloyd Bentsen Highway) / Bus. US 59 west (Saunders Street)[15] | Interchange; eastern end of Loop 20 overlap, I-69W will continue north along US 59 to Victoria, access to Laredo Medical Center | ||
| Victoria | Victoria |   US 77 north / Bus. US 59-T north – Cuero, Hallettsville | Future interchange; future north end of US 77 concurrency. | |||
 FM 446 | Future interchange | |||||
| 12 | 19 | 12A |    US 77 south / Bus. US 77 north (Refugio Highway) to I-69E south – Refugio, Victoria, Corpus Christi | Future interchange; future south end of US 77 concurrency. | ||
| 12.2 | 19.6 | 12B |   I-69 north / US 59 north – Houston | Future Eastern Terminus. I-69W along with I-69E merges with I-69 to continue to Houston. | ||
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi
| ||||||
See also
[edit]
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Koch, James W. & Weber, Joe (June 26, 2014). "Minute Order" (PDF). Texas Transportation Commission. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 10, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
- ^ a b Texas Department of Transportation (2018). "Statewide Planning Map LRS Readout (ArcGIS)". Archived from the original on September 7, 2019. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
- ^ Transportation Planning and Programming Division (n.d.). "Highway Designations Glossary". Texas Department of Transportation. Archived from the original on July 10, 2022. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
- ^ "H.R.2950". Thomas. Library of Congress. Archived from the original on December 15, 2012. Retrieved January 13, 2012.
- ^ "S.440". Thomas. Library of Congress. February 16, 1995. Archived from the original on September 4, 2015. Retrieved January 13, 2012.
- ^ "H.R. 2400". Thomas. Library of Congress. Archived from the original on December 16, 2012. Retrieved January 13, 2012.
- ^ Staff. "NHS High Priority Corridors Description". Federal Highway Administration. Archived from the original on February 7, 2008. Retrieved August 3, 2014.
- ^ "Officials open United States 59 Loop 20 lanes over Interstate Highway 35". Laredo Morning Times. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
- ^ "Push on to Add SH 44 to I-69 Priority Corridor System" (Press release). Alliance for I-69 Texas. April 30, 2014. Archived from the original on August 11, 2014. Retrieved August 2, 2014.
- ^ KGNS Staff (February 7, 2024). "U.S. 59 Loop project set for groundbreaking, four new overpasses included in plans". www.kgns.tv. Retrieved February 10, 2024.
- ^ "I-69 System Status Tabloids" (PDF). txdot.com. TXDOT. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ "TxDOT's Refugio Relief Route receives $463.7 million from state". STexasNews.com. August 17, 2023. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ Now, James Muñoz-25 News (April 13, 2023). "Biden-Harris Administration to Provide $14 Million for US-59 San Antonio River Bridge Replacement in Goliad". CrossRoadsToday.com. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "TxDOT's Refugio Relief Route receives $463.7 million from state". STexasNews.com. August 17, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "US 59 Loop". www.txdot.gov. Archived from the original on September 25, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
External links
[edit]
Interstate 69W
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Route description
Current alignment
Interstate 69W currently consists of a 1.4-mile (2.3 km) freeway segment in Laredo, Texas, serving as the initial operational portion of this western branch of the broader Interstate 69 system.[6] The route begins at the World Trade Bridge Port of Entry and proceeds northeast, concurrent with U.S. Highway 59 and State Loop 20, terminating at an interchange with Interstate 35 east of the city center.[3][8] The alignment follows the Bob Bullock Loop through the western outskirts of Laredo, traversing industrial zones that support the region's role as a major logistics hub.[9] It passes in the vicinity of Laredo International Airport as it approaches its eastern terminus, amid a landscape of flat South Texas plains interspersed with urban development.[10] At its southern end, I-69W connects directly to the World Trade Bridge, which is dedicated exclusively to commercial freight traffic crossing the U.S.-Mexico border and handles a substantial portion of North American trade by truck.[11]Major intersections
Interstate 69W's current alignment in Laredo encompasses a compact 1.4-mile segment along Loop 20, featuring limited but strategically vital interchanges that bolster regional and international connectivity. The southern terminus connects directly to the World Trade Bridge Port of Entry at mile 0, enabling seamless cross-border access for commercial vehicles and supporting Laredo's role as a primary trade gateway with Mexico. Positioned at approximately mile 1.4, the junction with I-35 and US 83 provides the primary northern gateway to downtown Laredo and onward routes to San Antonio, integrating I-69W into the broader interstate network for efficient north-south travel.[3] Concurrent with this alignment, connections to US 59 and Loop 20 at the northern extent facilitate local circulation and border trade logistics, with US 59 extending the corridor northward.[1] Traffic volumes along this segment reflect its freight-oriented function, with average annual daily traffic (AADT) reaching a maximum of 20,565 vehicles, predominantly trucks linked to international commerce via the World Trade Bridge.[12]History
Planning and designation
The planning for what would become Interstate 69W originated as part of the broader Interstate 69 corridor, designated by the U.S. Congress in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) of 1991 as High Priority Corridor 18 to facilitate increased trade, particularly in anticipation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).[13] This corridor aimed to link the U.S. Gulf Coast and Midwest with the U.S.-Mexico border, with the segment through Laredo, Texas, envisioned as a key entry point for cross-border commerce.[14] The corridor's scope was refined and expanded under the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995, which incorporated Corridor 18 into the National Highway System and extended its alignment to include connections from Houston to the Louisiana border, emphasizing its role in national economic connectivity.[13] Further legislative advancement came with the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) in 1998, which officially designated the routes comprising Corridors 18 and 20 as future Interstate 69, solidifying its status as a continuous interstate from the Canadian border through Michigan, Indiana, and southern states to the Mexican border at Laredo.[14] This designation highlighted I-69's integration into the NAFTA Superhighway system, intended to streamline freight movement from Mexico's Pacific coast ports through Laredo to the U.S. Midwest.[1] In Texas, the western branch of I-69—along U.S. Highway 59 from Laredo northward—was distinguished as I-69W to differentiate it from the eastern branch (I-69E) along U.S. Highway 77. The Texas Transportation Commission, in coordination with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), approved the initial designation of a 1.4-mile segment of the U.S. 59 Loop (Loop 20) in Laredo as I-69W on June 26, 2014, marking the first official signing of this auxiliary route and enabling its role in immediate border trade facilitation.[15]Construction milestones
Construction of the initial segment of Interstate 69W in Laredo commenced following its designation by the Texas Transportation Commission in June 2014, which approved a 1.4-mile (2.3 km) freeway section along Loop 20 from the World Trade International Bridge to U.S. 59 as part of the route. This designation spurred upgrades to meet interstate standards, including pavement improvements and installation of signage to reflect the I-69W alignment.[15] A pivotal phase involved building the U.S. 59/I-69W overpass spanning Interstate 35 and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, starting in November 2017 under contract to SER Construction Partners.[16] Constructed over 25 months at a cost integrated into the broader Laredo Bundle project, the overpass features elevated mainlanes to separate freight and local traffic, enhancing safety and efficiency near the international border.[17] The structure opened to traffic on January 20, 2020, completing the core connectivity for the 1.4-mile segment from the World Trade International Bridge to U.S. 59/Loop 20.[16] The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) led these efforts as part of the I-35/I-69W International Freight Gateway initiative, incorporating engineering solutions like the 1.25-mile elevated section over rail lines to address operational challenges in Laredo's trade corridor.[17] Additional features included direct connectors and widened mainlanes to mitigate congestion in flood-prone areas adjacent to the Rio Grande, with construction designed to urban interstate specifications for future expansions.[18] Funded primarily through federal grants and state bonds via TxDOT's Proposition 1 and Proposition 7 programs, the initial segment's development totaled approximately $160 million, supporting enhanced border commerce infrastructure.[17]Future
Planned extensions
The planned extensions of Interstate 69W will add approximately 150 miles (240 km) of freeway northeast from Laredo, primarily overlaying and upgrading U.S. Highway 59 (US 59) through Webb, Duval, McMullen, and Live Oak counties before merging with Interstate 69C (I-69C) near George West to form the continuous Interstate 69 (I-69) corridor.[1][3] This alignment integrates I-69W into the broader I-69 system, connecting South Texas trade routes to the national network while intersecting other key highways along the way. The route begins with upgrades to existing US 59 from Laredo to Freer, converting the two- to four-lane highway into a six-lane, access-controlled freeway with frontage roads, interchanges, and overpasses to meet interstate standards.[6] North of Laredo, new construction will bypass the Laredo International Airport, providing a direct connection while minimizing disruptions to airport operations and surrounding industrial areas.[3] From Freer, the alignment continues along US 59 through rural ranchland to George West, incorporating a relief route around the town to improve traffic flow and safety.[19] Beyond Freer, the path links to State Highway 44 (SH 44) for a short segment before rejoining US 59 toward George West, ensuring seamless integration with regional connectors.[1] Key future intersections include a full interchange with US 281 just north of Freer, facilitating connections to the Rio Grande Valley via the planned I-69C corridor.[3] The route culminates in a merger with I-69C near George West, forming the main I-69 alignment. Environmental and right-of-way considerations are integral to the planning process, with assessments focusing on wetland preservation, wildlife habitats, and cultural resources along the US 59 corridor.[6] Near the U.S.-Mexico border in Laredo, alignments avoid sensitive ecological zones and binational trade facilities, incorporating noise barriers and drainage improvements to mitigate impacts on local communities.[15] Right-of-way acquisition prioritizes minimal displacement, with utility relocations and buffer zones planned for urban transitions like Freer and George West.[6] These measures ensure compliance with federal environmental regulations while supporting enhanced trade efficiency in border corridors.[1]Funding and timelines
The future development of Interstate 69W relies on a combination of federal and state funding sources, including allocations from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, which provides Texas with approximately $27 billion in highway contract authority over five years (2022-2026) to support eligible interstate upgrades.[20] TxDOT supplements this through bond programs, such as Proposition 7, which allocates funds for debt service on highway improvement bonds and contributes to the agency's overall $40.4 billion biennial budget request for 2026-2027, with 89% dedicated to state highway projects including I-69 system components.[20] Statewide, the 2026 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) commits over $3 billion specifically to US 59 projects along the I-69W corridor, part of a broader $146 billion 10-year plan that programs 27 I-69 system initiatives for advancement.[21][22] A key near-term project is the 5.9-mile extension of I-69W along US 59 from International Boulevard to East Corridor Road south of Laredo International Airport, funded at $360 million primarily through state and federal sources under TxDOT's Category 12 (Strategic Priority) funding; construction began in February 2024, with completion projected for 2029.[23][3] This segment includes Phase 2 widening to six lanes with added interchanges, letting for construction in August 2024.[15] Upgrades along US 59 for I-69W designation proceed in phases per the 2026 UTP, with rural freeway conversions and widenings prioritized in Category 4 funding. For instance, the segment approaching Freer in Duval County receives $100 million for widening, with construction letting scheduled for fiscal years 2030-2035.[21] Advancements toward George West in Live Oak County include an $80 million widening project, also targeted for FY 2030-2035 letting, aiming for full interstate standards by the mid-2030s.[21] Integration with SH 44 near the corridor's northern extent is planned within broader US 59 enhancements, with designation potentially by 2040 contingent on sequential environmental clearances and funding releases.[21] These timelines are subject to challenges, including the absence of dedicated funding for the entire I-69 system, which requires competition for general highway dollars, delays from federal environmental approvals by the FHWA, and escalating costs due to inflation impacting project bids.[1][22] TxDOT mitigates these through annual UTP updates and advocacy for reauthorization of federal surface transportation funding beyond 2026.[20] As of November 2025, no major delays have been reported for key I-69W segments.[2]Exit list
The following table lists the exits along the current signed portion of Interstate 69W, which is 1.4 miles long from the World Trade International Bridge to I-35 in Laredo. Exit numbers are not currently assigned to this short urban freeway segment. Future extensions will introduce numbered exits as upgrades to US 59 proceed.[3] {| class="wikitable" !County !Location !mi !km !Exit !Destinations| !Notes |
|---|
| rowspan="2" |
| Laredo |
| 0.00 |
| 0.00 |
| — |
| [[World Trade International Bridge]] |
| Southern terminus; international border crossing to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, continuing as Mexican Federal Highway 85D (Fed. 85D) |
| - |
| Laredo |
| 1.40 |
| 2.25 |
| — |
| [[Interstate 35 in Texas |
| Northern terminus of signed I-69W; I-69W continues northeast on US 59 (future freeway); I-35 exit 8 |
| } |
Future exits (planned along US 59 extension)
The following are proposed exits for the extension of I-69W along US 59 from I-35 to International Boulevard and beyond, under construction as of 2024. These are not yet signed as I-69W.[15] {| class="wikitable" !County !Location !mi !km !Exit !Destinations| !Notes |
|---|
| Webb |
| Laredo |
| ~3.7 |
| ~6.0 |
| 3 |
| McPherson Road |
| Planned interchange; westbound exit via International Boulevard; access to Doctors Hospital of Laredo[3] |
| - |
| Webb |
| Laredo |
| ~4.7 |
| ~7.6 |
| 4 |
| International Boulevard |
| Planned interchange; start of 4.7-mile freeway extension under construction (2024–expected completion post-2025) |
| - |
| Webb |
| Laredo |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| Shiloh Drive, Del Mar Boulevard, University Boulevard, Jacaman Road |
| Planned grade-separated interchanges in US 59 Loop upgrade project[15] |
| - |
| rowspan="2" |
| San Diego |
| ~90 |
| ~145 |
| — |
| [[Texas State Highway 44 |
| Planned interchange; key junction supporting regional connectivity |
| - |
| Freer |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| US 59 north – Freer, George West |
| Continuation to merge with I-69C near George West |
| } |