Rio Grande Valley drivers should expect delays on Interstate 2 this month as lane reductions and closures affect key routes through Pharr and Mercedes.
According to MySA, the work includes traffic impacts at the Pharr Interchange, a major Valley junction connecting I-2 and Interstate 69C. The interchange is used by drivers traveling between McAllen, Edinburg, Harlingen, Brownsville and other parts of the region.
Beginning Monday, July 13, westbound I-2 main lanes from Cage Boulevard to Jackson Road are scheduled to be continuously reduced to two lanes through Sunday, July 26, according to the report. The Edinburg-to-McAllen direct connector is also expected to operate as a single lane during that period, affecting southbound I-69C traffic at the interchange.
A full westbound closure is also scheduled for Sunday, July 19. Traffic is expected to be diverted to exit at Sugar Road and re-enter the main lanes at the Jackson Road entrance ramp, according to the contractor information cited by MySA.
The westbound I-2 entrance ramp at Veterans Boulevard is also expected to remain closed through July 26.
Drivers should also watch for overnight closures in Mercedes. MySA reported that TxDOT planned nightly westbound I-2 lane closures between Mile 1 Road and FM 1015, also known as International Boulevard, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, July 13, through Friday, July 17, for bridge approach and departure repairs.
During the Mercedes closures, traffic is expected to be diverted to the I-2 frontage road.
The work is outside Brownsville, but the Pharr Interchange and I-2 corridor are heavily used by Lower Valley drivers traveling west for work, medical appointments, shopping, school and regional events. Drivers heading from Brownsville or Harlingen toward McAllen, Pharr or Edinburg should allow extra time and consider alternate routes.
Road work schedules can change because of weather or construction needs. Motorists should check TxDOT updates and watch for posted signs before traveling through the affected areas.
