LOS FRESNOS — With the Rio Hondo mechanical lift bridge open again, it’s a smooth shot down FM 106 all the way to Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.
The $15.6 million FM 106 roadway reconstruction covers 11.4 miles and the two-lane now extends two or three miles past the turnoff to Laguna Atascosa and will connect with FM 510 leading to Laguna Vista.
Work on the project by contractor Texas SAI Inc. started in November 2015. And while now 85 percent complete, the project has used about half again as much time as initially thought.
Some of that was due to extra work along the roadway to install wildlife underpasses designed to protect traveling ocelots.
“The contractor is currently on the construction of SECTION III (which is the last section of construction) between the INS Facility Entrance to FM 510,” said TxDOT Pharr District spokesman Octavio Saenz via email. “We are not only addressing the roadway construction but the drainage and irrigation structures.”
The project was a complete overhaul of the highway, consisting of the reconstruction of the original roadway, realignment, adding drainage structures and more, topped off with the usual finish of striping and pavement markings.
FM 106 roadway reconstruction
Location: From FM 1847 to FM 510
Cost: $15.6 million
Project Length: 11.4 miles
Contractor: Texas SAI Inc.
Work started: November 2015
Completion date: September 2018
Work finished: 85 percent
The project consists of a major overhaul of the roadway and includes several wildlife underpasses and adjacent fencing.
BSIF at Los Indios
Location: Los Indios Free Trade International Bridge
Cost: $6.9 million
