HARLINGEN — The city’s gateway is ready for a major makeover.
Officials with the Texas Department of Transportation met with parks Director Javier Mendez to launch a $380,000 project aimed at landscaping the Interstate 69 underpass at Harrison and Tyler Avenues.
On April 3, crews will begin work on the five-month project to landscape the sprawling underpass and nearby stretches along Harrison and Tyler.
Flowering trees such as royal poinciana, wild olive and orchid trees are expected to help spuce up the city’s gateway, splashing color across the area.
LED fixtures will light up the area expected to give off the ambiance of a park.
“I’m very excited about it,” Mayor Chris Boswell said. “It will have a huge visual impact at the entry ways to the city. That makes a first impression. It’s a great way to welcome people to our community.”
The project will help transform the area.
For decades, a grassy field dotted with bushy native shrubs and shaggy Mexican fan palms has marred the busy city entrance.
City leaders selected the Harrison and Tyler underpass because it has become the city’s main entry near Valle Vista Mall and the fast-growing Harlingen Heights shopping district.
“Since it’s a gateway into Harlingen, we figured it would be the best location for beautification,” Mendez said.
