New Link for Commercial Traffic to Port Corpus Christi Opens Today
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – A ribbon cutting ceremony was held today for the opening of a direct connector bridge linking Interstate 37 to the Joe Fulton International Trade Corridor. The Texas Department of Transportation constructed the 4,415-foot long bridge as part of a $32 million project to improve mobility and safety. The bridge is projected to carry approximately 500 large trucks per day to Port Corpus Christi between southbound Interstate 37 and the Joe Fulton International Trade Corridor.
Texas Department of Transportation Corpus Christi District Engineer John A. Casey said the new bridge is a strategic advantage for the Port of Corpus Christi - the fifth largest port in the United States in total tonnage. “Today a new doorway to international trade opportunities is opened signaling that the Coastal Bend is open for business,” Mr. Casey said.
Port Commission Chairman Mike Carrell, Commissioner Richard Borchard, and Commissioner Mike Scott, as well as other local dignitaries including State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, State Representative Connie Scott, Nueces County Judge S. Loyd Neal, Nueces County Commissioner Joe Gonzalez, Nueces County Commissioner Oscar Ortiz, Corpus Christi City Council Member Chris Adler, and Corpus Christi City Council Member Nelda Martinez all took part in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony.
About Port Corpus Christi
As the primary economic engine of the Coastal Bend, Port Corpus Christi is 5th largest port in the United States in total tonnage. The Port’s mission statement is to “serve as a regional economic development catalyst while protecting and enhancing its existing industrial base and simultaneously working to diversify its international maritime cargo business.” Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico, with a straight, 45’ deep channel, the Port provides quick access to the Gulf and the entire United States inland waterway system. The Port delivers outstanding access to overland transportation with on-site and direct connections to three Class-1 railroads and uncongested interstate and state highways. The Port is protected by a state-of-the-art security department and an award-winning Environmental Management System. With outstanding management and operations staff, Port Corpus Christi is clearly “More Than You Can Sea.”