Bridge construction — A million-dollar-plus TxDOT project to refurbish the Stenger St. Bridge continues in San Benito and is expected to be completed in early February. (San Benito News/Ray Quiroga)
By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
Road and bridge construction is well underway along Stenger Street, which is one of the most accessible pathways for San Benito residents and motorists.
The roadway is nestled between West Business 77 and Sam Houston Boulevard, with mostly residential homes and some commercial properties along its path, including the back of an HEB grocery store that truckers use to transport goods.
The actual construction and detours account for just 0.955 of a mile, which is between West Business 77 and Fannin Street, according to the Texas Department of Transportation’s Pharr District (TxDOT).
Construction began three days before Christmas, and according to TxDOT, it will be completed in the spring.
This project is being constructed and paid for solely by TxDOT, meaning the City of San Benito is not footing the bill.
In fact, TxDOT reports that the project cost is $1,227,495.70.
It is part of 18 road and bridge projects, totaling an estimated $13.7 million, currently under construction in the Pharr District, which encompasses eight counties, including all of the Rio Grande Valley.
The City of San Benito and its leaders have been in contact with TxDOT regarding the construction. The project will include a new Stenger Street bridge between Business 77 and Hull Street, scheduled for completion by Feb. 1.
Leaders are telling motorists to use Business 77 and Sam Houston Boulevard as detours.
The Pharr District engineer is Pedro R. Alvarez. He told San Benito staff this week that the first bridge demolition was Monday, Jan. 5.
“They expect to be done with the bridge by the end of February or early March,” San Benito Assistant City Manager Diana Garza said. “Regarding the sidewalks, they’re about 50 percent complete, and they expect to finish all the sidewalks and the entire project by April.”
The City of San Benito alerted citizens of the construction via social media.
Some residents said this would be a good opportunity to move forward with city-related projects as well, since roads are closed and traffic is lighter.
“Now would be a wonderful time for the city to improve other parts of Stenger, since traffic is low. Between Sam Houston and Stookey (and beyond) has been promised to us for four years,” Rob Imperial-Fawley said. “We keep being told it’s on the schedule. We haven’t seen any improvement or lighting.”
On the City’s Facebook page, officials reiterated that the new bridge is expected to be completed by February 1, 2026, and that motorists should use US Business 77 and Sam Houston Blvd during construction. “Please plan ahead and allow extra travel time,” the post warns.
“For everyone’s safety, do not bypass or move road closure barricades or other traffic control devices. Ignoring closures is unlawful, dangerous, and puts both drivers and workers at risk,” according to the post.
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