State leaders say two major Coastal Bend transportation projects are finally making progress — just not at the pace many frustrated drivers hoped for. Texas has officially included the long-discussed Highway 361 expansion and second island causeway in its long-range transportation plan. Yet both projects remain years away from construction, and for many residents, the wait feels increasingly urgent.
Highway 361: Progress, but a Slow Path to Construction
Environmental Work and Design Underway
Highway 361, a 15-mile coastal corridor known for its pitch-dark nighttime conditions, is currently in the environmental study and schematic design phase. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) projects construction to begin around 2030.
The redesign would significantly modernize the roadway. Plans include two travel lanes, a raised median, dedicated left-turn lanes, sidewalks, and—for the first time—lighting along the corridor. The improvements target long-standing safety concerns, especially the series of crashes and fatal accidents tied to low visibility.
Safety Concerns Driving Pressure for Change
Because of the dangers along the corridor, local and state leaders argue that waiting until 2030 is too long. Many communities along the Coastal Bend have long pushed for lighting, and recent incidents have renewed calls to accelerate the redesign.
Hunter: “We Will Achieve the Goal”
Behind-the-Scenes Work Continues
State Representative Todd Hunter said he has been urging TxDOT to keep the project moving as quickly as possible within state and federal guidelines.
“As we’re coming into the holiday season, I made it a point to talk with the Texas Department of Transportation today regarding 361,” Hunter said. “It’s a highway that needs to be improved. It’s very dark. It needs lighting so people can see, but it also continually needs to be improved.”
Hunter emphasized that while drivers may not see day-to-day activity on the ground, significant progress is happening in planning offices and regulatory reviews.
“Right now, I checked with TxDOT and they are looking at expanding it and improving it,” he said. “You may not see the work daily, but they have assured me they’re developing the plan. It may go slowly at times, but we are there. “We will achieve the goal.”
Why the Process Takes Years
Both the Highway 361 improvements and the second causeway must undergo environmental and regulatory reviews, which typically take 2 to 3 years in coastal regions. Hunter said the state has already secured initial project funding and will pursue additional funding during the 2027 budget session.
Local Leaders Push for Faster Action
Chesney: “It Can’t Wait Until 2030”
Nueces County Commissioner Brent Chesney has been one of the most vocal advocates for speeding up the project. He argues that the safety risks demand immediate action—not a years-long waiting period.
“We’ve got to do everything we can to scream and yell from the rooftops that 361 has to be improved, and it can’t wait until 2030,” Chesney said.
He believes the governor would likely support efforts to fast-track the expansion if state leaders push hard enough.
Calls to Skip Additional Delays
Chesney said the state should move directly to acquiring right-of-way, widening the road, and installing lighting, rather than continuing prolonged studies.
Here’s a polished, active-voice rewrite that keeps the original meaning and strong tone:
“We don’t need more debate or additional environmental studies. We need to secure the right-of-way, widen the road, and install lighting.”
” Chesney said. “This should be a priority project.”
Heightened Patrols as State Planning Continues
Due to ongoing safety concerns, the Texas Department of Public Safety has increased patrols along Highway 361. These efforts aim to help mitigate risks while the state completes its engineering and planning work.
Both the Highway 361 expansion and the proposed second causeway remain approved projects within the state’s long-range plan. Still, construction timelines depend heavily on future funding allocations and legislative support.
For now, state transportation officials maintain that progress is steady—even if slow—and say continued coordination between lawmakers, county officials, and TxDOT will determine just how soon shovels hit the ground.