Construction is in full swing along Old Highway 77 as part of a major $31 million infrastructure project aimed at modernizing the roadway and improving essential public utilities. The project includes the installation of new travel lanes, sidewalks, water and sewer lines, and upgraded drainage systems, marking one of the city’s most significant roadway overhauls in recent years.
Currently, crews are working to install a 15-inch sanitary sewer line across the Cameron County Drainage District No. 1 ditch. To safely complete this portion of the project, the contractor has temporarily dammed the ditch on both sides and installed a bypass pump system to maintain continuous water flow and manage stormwater during rainfall.
Once the sewer line work is complete, construction will proceed with the installation of 5-foot by 5-foot reinforced concrete boxes. These structures will enable the drainage ditch to pass beneath the future roadway, thereby improving stormwater management in the area.
Traffic Detours in Place
As a result of the ongoing work, detours and temporary traffic changes are in effect:
Northbound traffic from Ruben M. Torres Boulevard continues as normal.
Detour Route: Motorists will be rerouted at Love Rose Street, then west on McAllen Road, and north to Morrison Road to bypass the closed section.
Local Access:
Two-way traffic is temporarily allowed between Love Rose Street and the drainage ditch to maintain access for nearby homes and businesses.
Similarly, the section between Morrison Road and the drainage ditch will also operate as two-way traffic to accommodate local properties.
Drivers are urged to use caution, follow posted signage, and allow for additional travel time while the detour is in place.
The complete reconstruction of Old Highway 77 is expected to span approximately two years, depending on weather conditions and construction progress.
The City of Brownsville thanks the public for their patience and cooperation as crews work to deliver safer, more reliable infrastructure to the community.
