Construction on more than $7 million in infrastructure upgrades at the Port of Harlingen continues to accelerate as two major state and federal grant–funded projects move deeper into the building phase. The work, which began in August, covers improvements awarded through a $3.1 million Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Seaport Connectivity Program (SCP) grant and a $3.9 million U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant.
The SCP initiative—which covers 75% of its total construction costs—is delivering two long-needed improvements to the port: modern solar-powered roadway lighting and enhanced drainage infrastructure along the Northern loop of Port Road. According to port officials, all 100 solar lighting units have now been installed, providing significantly better night visibility for commercial operators and local travelers who move through the port’s high-traffic corridors. Work is progressing in the drainage zone, where crews are setting concrete structures designed to reduce erosion and prevent recurring flooding issues.
Port leaders expect the SCP project to be finalized by late February, when a ribbon-cutting ceremony will officially mark the completion of the upgrades.
Port Director Walker Smith emphasized how overdue these improvements were.
“Both of these upgrade needs have been long needed,” Smith said. “Having lighting means safer roads in and around the Port not only for operators who work around the clock, but also for regular traffic that moves through and around our roads in the surrounding communities. We are excited to be also completing our drainage, which will vastly improve storm run-off and potential flooding for the area.”
Meanwhile, construction tied to the MARAD-funded PIDP dock renovations continues on schedule. The project focuses on rehabilitating Docks 1 and 2—critical structures originally built in the 1950s that haven’t undergone significant upgrades in roughly 30 years. McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. has begun installing new sheet piling, updated fendering systems, reinforced concrete decking, and new bulkhead walls, all designed to extend the operational lifespan of these heavily used marine facilities.
Smith noted that the improvements reflect the port’s rapid growth.
“Both docks were built in the 1950s and it has been about 30 years since we have had any rehabilitation done to either dock,” he said. “As our tonnage has increased more than 240 percent in the last eight, or so, years, that means more traffic and barges that bring wear and tear to our dock. This will ensure our main docks will be stronger for more goods to move across them for years to come.”
The PIDP dock upgrades are expected to reach completion in Spring 2026, laying the foundation for more efficient cargo movement as demand for port capacity increases.
Originally reported by Texas Border Business.
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