FULTON, TX The Texas Department of Transportation joins city, county, state, federal and chamber officials to celebrate completion of the new causeway over Copano Bay with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

The $105 million TxDOT project was opened to traffic in both directions on SH 35 earlier indicating substantial completion of the project. 

Designed to improve safety and mobility, the new causeway features two 12-foot-wide travel lanes in each direction with inside and outside shoulders and a concrete median barrier to separate northbound and southbound lanes. The new structure's higher elevation enhances its use as an evacuation route in the event of a hurricane. 

"TxDOT's construction of this new causeway represents a commitment to safety and enhancing the quality of life in this area. This project is just one of the many ways TxDOT is enhancing mobility, public safety and infrastructure in the Coastal Bend. We appreciate the support this project received from all interested stakeholders," said Chris Caron, District Engineer for TxDOT's Corpus Christi District. 

The former causeway, built in 1967, was demolished to make room for the new causeway.

The project also included the construction of left turn lanes and safety lighting at the SH 35 - FM 1781 intersection on the south side of the causeway and to the SH 35 - First Street/Park Road 13 intersection on the north side of the span.

"It's great to see TxDOT investing in south Texas' transportation needs. As our community grows from unprecedented economic development, the improvements to the Copano Causeway will make it easier and safer for those traveling for work and play."