The Harbor Bridge Replacement Project marks a transformative investment in mobility, commerce and long-term resilience for South Texas. Led by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and FlatironDragados, the project replaces the 1959 through-arch bridge with a concrete cable-stayed structure designed to meet modern freight demands and improve safety for everyday travelers.
Spanning 6.44 miles, the project includes the design and construction of the new Harbor Bridge and the reconstruction of key segments of US 181, I-37 and Crosstown Expressway. The six-lane bridge features three lanes in each direction, full shoulders, a center median barrier and a 10-foot-wide shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. Complementary features include LED lighting, a public plaza, and xeriscape landscaping that reflect the region’s identity and climate.
As the project’s Independent Quality Firm (IQF), Atlas played a central role in upholding quality standards throughout the design-build delivery process. Our team provided third-party oversight for 17 component types sourced from more than 15 fabrication sites across the U.S. and internationally. Atlas developed custom Inspection and Testing Plans (ITPs) to support traceability, ensure alignment with TxDOT specifications and enable seamless integration during construction.
With the new bridge open and final phase preparations underway, Atlas continues to support the project through ongoing inspection services as demolition of the original truss bridge nears and adjacent roadway reconstruction begins.