Together, local leaders call for transparency going forward from TxDOT on Harbor Bridge

Corpus Christi and Nueces County leaders and state lawmakers called for full transparency and disclosure from the Texas Department of Transportation on the new, nearly $1 billion Harbor Bridge project in a news conference on Wednesday.

The joint conference came a day after TxDOT publicly discussed its concerns with the proposed design of the new bridge and gave the developer, Flatiron/Dragados, a 15-day ultimatum to address the issues or be removed from the project.

"Our elected officials are united in our belief that the safety of this project is our single most important and overriding concern," said Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo, who called the news conference. "The people have the right to complete information about the biggest project that impacts the safety of residents and the local economy."

The cable-stayed bridge, which will be the tallest structure in South Texas once it is done, will span the Corpus Christi Ship Channel and replace the aging 1950s-era Harbor Bridge. The current bridge is a signature of Corpus Christi’s skyline and connects the city to North Beach, the home of popular tourist attractions such as the USS Lexington and the Texas State Aquarium.

Earlier this year, Flatiron/Dragados said the bridge would be completed sometime in 2024. However, whether and to what degree the project could be delayed is not known in light of TxDOT's halt to construction last month. That July 15 announcement sparked an outcry from local government officials as TxDOT was slow to release information about its reasons for pausing construction on the project.

No Flatiron/Dragados representatives attended the news conference at city hall. A Flatiron/Dragados spokesperson, Lynn Allison, declined to comment Tuesday on the notice of default issued to the company or the content of the news conference and did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

State Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, was the sharpest in his demand for more information going forward on the project.

"Yeah, we have a 15-day legal situation. I want full transparency for taxpayers: You need the information. I have people coming to me right now scared to even drive over in the area," Hunter said. "We keep calling it the Harbor Bridge. It's not a bridge. It's a gap."

Other speakers were state Rep. Abel Herrero, D-Robstown; a representative for state Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, D-McAllen; TxDOT Corpus Christi District engineer Valente Olivarez Jr.; Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales; and Port of Corpus Christi Chair Charles Zahn Jr.

Speaking with local media, Olivarez reiterated much of what TxDOT officials announced in the Tuesday news conference.

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Local leaders address public after TxDOT update on Harbor Bridge