Residents of Gregory-Portland and Ingleside are familiar with the traffic jams during shift changes at the adjacent refineries.
A proposed interchange near Gregory might reduce this congestion.
TxDOT intends to build a new interchange linking Highway 35, Highway 361/Spur 202, and roads connecting Gregory, Portland, Ingleside, and Aransas Pass.
On Thursday evening, the community previewed the proposed plan at an open house event held at Stephen F. Austin Elementary, providing their feedback.
Gregory local, Roy Greer, expressed his support for a quicker commute. “Traffic tends to pile up around 4-5 in the evening, particularly near the railroad tracks. When a train passes, there’s a long backup,” he remarked.
The surge in industry has added to the traffic.
San Patricio County Judge, David Krebs, personally understands the traffic woes. “When I commute from Portland around 5:30-6 AM, the highways 35 and 181 feel like the busy roads in Houston, especially with all the refinery workers,” he commented.
Kimberly Amy, TxDOT’s Environmental Coordinator, was present to elucidate the interchange’s workings. She mentioned, “The current interchange wasn’t built for today’s traffic volume and patterns.”
The proposed design features three tiers:
– The topmost, Highway 361, will cater to those driving from Ingleside to Portland.
– The middle tier will be the ongoing Highway 35, offering uninterrupted travel to and from Rockport.
– The base layer will have the 35 frontage roads, turnaround lanes, and the railroad.
Amy emphasized the plan’s goal to facilitate smoother traffic flow, especially during industry shift times. “The design aims to move commuters more safely and efficiently through the interchange,” she explained.
She also noted that there would be another chance for the community to share their thoughts on the design, encouraging feedback on potential improvements. “TxDOT is eager to hear suggestions and concerns,” she added.
Construction is anticipated to start in 2026.