Projects will modernize traffic signals, improve road safety, and enhance transportation efficiency.
City of Brownsville leaders successfully secure $27.8 million in funding to support the City’s Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) capital improvement projects. The funds have been secured from the Rio Grande Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (RGVMPO), whose Policy Board approved to support the City’s projects. Funds will be used for various transformative projects that are scheduled across the Rio Grande Valley’s largest City.
“This investment marks a pivotal moment for Brownsville,” said Mayor John Cowen, Jr., City of Brownsville. “With $27.8 million secured for these projects, we’re taking bold action to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and ensure our growing community can move even more safely and efficiently. I’m proud to have championed this initiative alongside our City Commission, City Management, and Multimodal Transportation teams.”
The ITS projects, which are expected to start May of 2026, are aimed at further enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and safety of traffic and roadway infrastructure. The funds will support the following projects:
- Citywide ITS Capital Improvement Project – $10.3 million
- International Boulevard Traffic Signal Improvement Project – $5.4 million
- E. 12th Street Traffic Signal Improvement Project – $5 million
- Deployment of Traffic Signal System Equipment (communications, maintenance, surveillance) – $4.5 million
- Traffic Monitoring and Signalized Roads Management – $2.4 million
These ITS improvements represent a major step toward further modernizing traffic operations citywide.
“This major investment in our transportation infrastructure allows us to advance long-needed traffic signal upgrades and system-wide improvements that will make our roads safer for all motorists,” said Helen Ramirez, ICMA-CM, AICP, Brownsville City Manager. “It also underscores our commitment to building a more connected and responsive citywide transportation network that supports regional economic growth and enhances quality of life for Brownsville residents.”
The City’s Multimodal Transportation Department was instrumental in securing funding for this project.
The City’s Intelligent Transportation System capital improvement projects are in alignment with Brownsville’s long-term strategic goals for mobility, public safety, and Private 5G Smart City integration.
The City is partnered with NTT DATA to implement a Private 5G network, which is a crucial step towards transforming Brownsville into a technology hub. The advanced infrastructure will enhance citizen services, increase public safety, achieve sustainability and effectively manage the City’s growth by leveraging real-time data analytics and AI empowered by a seamless and secure wireless network.