SL 195 (CSJ:3632-01-001)

TxDOT District: Pharr is constructing a new four-lane divided roadway along State Highway 195 in Rio Grande City, Starr County. This project, filed under the identifier CSJ: 3632-01-001, involves the construction of a significant stretch of highway from FM 3167 to FM 755. The scope of work includes traffic signals, pavement markings, sidewalks, and ramps, representing a major infrastructure investment in the region.

The estimated cost for this new construction is $78,801,684. While the filing lists a square footage of 1,443 sq ft, the project’s primary value lies in its linear roadway improvements and associated safety features. LJA Engineering, Inc. serves as the design firm of record, and Frank Fonseca is the registered accessibility specialist. The project was registered with TDLR in May 2025, and plan review was completed in the same month.

Timeline and Status

Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2027. The current TDLR status is Review Complete, indicating that the regulatory approval phase has concluded. The project is scheduled to finish in March 2028. This timeline reflects a build window of 73 days, which is shorter than the county median of 232 days for similar new construction filings in Starr County.

The estimated cost places this project in the top quarter of new construction filings in Starr County over the last 24 months. The median estimated cost for such projects in the county is $800,000. The cost per square foot for this project is $54,610, significantly above the county median of $188 per square foot. This variance is typical for large-scale roadway projects where linear footage and infrastructure complexity drive costs rather than traditional building square footage.

TxDOT District: Pharr has six other TDLR-registered projects totaling $44,023,710, including significant works in McAllen and Harlingen. LJA Engineering, Inc. has designed six other TDLR-registered projects totaling $18,800,546 across Texas, including projects in Fort Worth and Corpus Christi. The Rio Grande City area, specifically ZIP code 78582, has a population of about 44,883 according to U.S. Census ACS 2023 estimates. The median household income in this area is $41,452, and the median owner-occupied home value is $102,000.

Starr County’s unemployment rate was 10.2 percent in June 2026, higher than a year earlier, according to FRED data. This project involves public funds and is a Federally funded roadway project. The construction of this four-lane divided roadway aims to improve traffic flow and safety in the Rio Grande City area, addressing the needs of local residents and commuters traveling between FM 3167 and FM 755.