(February 15, 2008)

ARANSAS PASS--The state is spending more than $13 million to replace two aging bridges on Highway 361 between Aransas Pass and Port Aransas. They said the bridges are safe, but it is time to replace them.

Tx DOT is quick to point out replacing the two bridges is not related to last year's bridge collapse in Minnesota. In fact, this project has been in the works for some time.

Planning to replace this bridge, known as the Seawall Channel Bridge began several years ago. This part of Highway 361 is structurally strong, but Tx DOT will spend about $3.5 million to upgrade the bridge.

"We are going to rebuild that bridge , making it a five lane bridge with sidewalks," said Cliff Bost, who is the public information officer for Tx Dot in the Corpus Christi area. 

The bridge doubles as a storm surge protector for Aransas Pass during a hurricane, hoisted into position by a crane, but there are plans to upgrade that too. 

"It's newer technology, stronger but lighter," Bost said. "Easier for our people to handle and still provide the necessary protection, but it has to be widened because we are going to widen the road there."

Construction workers said they plan to triple this highway in size. By doing that, it will improve traffic flow in the area. They also plan to put a turn lane in, so motorists can turn into this subdivision right behind me."

"It will give up better access to Bay Harbor and be less dangerous pulling off that road," said Larry Key, who lives in the area. 

Tx DOT said construction will soon begin on replacing the Red Fish Bay Bridge a few miles away on Highway 361. That's a 10 million dollar project.

"It's two lanes with no shoulders," said Bost. "What it will end up being is two 12 foot lanes with ten foot shoulders. It's part of the upgrade out there."

Tx DOT said it will take about two years to complete that project.

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com