For the past five decades, only one bridge has connected South Padre Island to the rest of the Rio Grande Valley’s mainland, with three main roadways leading traffic to the island: Farm-to-Market Road 510, State Highway 100, and State Highway 48. 

But that may change with the construction of a second bridge, estimated to cost between $800 million and $1 billion. Construction is expected to begin by 2029, despite years of plans that have fallen through several times. 

Cameron County officials lauded the plan for its impact on emergency evacuation, its ability to ease traffic congestion, and its potential to spur economic development on the north side of the island. 

“It will allow the island to continue to grow and develop that northern part of the island,” said Pete Sepulveda, Cameron County administrator and executive director of the Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority. “I’m convinced that it is a high priority for the state of Texas.”