A new bridge would allow TxDOT to improve safety, thereby reducing accident rates; provide better opportunities for moving people and goods (including military equipment and Port assets) throughout the region; provide adequate capacity to meet future traffic demand; and provide greater economic development opportunities for the Port of Corpus Christi.

2. How will TxDOT decide whether or not to replace Harbor Bridge?
Answer: Before it can make any decision about the Harbor Bridge, TxDOT must complete a series of project activities to ensure that all aspects of a possible new bridge have been considered. In the summer of 2003, TxDOT completed a Feasibility Study, which evaluated four alternative corridors (including the existing one) where a replacement of the Harbor Bridge might be located. The "no-build" option-leaving the bridge as it is now--was also examined. Now TxDOT is working on two other key activities-preparing the environmental documentation that is required before any new bridge could be built-and the schematic design-developing the preliminary engineering designs for a new bridge, associated approaches, and tie-ins to existing roadways. The results of the environmental study and schematic design, including a considerable amount of public input, will enable TxDOT to decide on a bridge replacement.

3. What is an Environmental Impact Statement?
Answer: An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a document required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for large projects that use federal funds. It provides a detailed analysis of the probable environmental consequences of the preferred alternative(s) for a project. The EIS also considers the environmental consequences of the no-build alternative. Public input is considered throughout the EIS development process. The EIS must be reviewed by various state and federal regulatory agencies, and must ultimately be approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Highway Administration.

4. When will the EIS be ready for the public to review?
Answer: A draft EIS will be ready for public comment sometime in early 2007. A more detailed project timeline can be found on this website.

5. When might a new bridge be in place?
Answer: Many factors affect the timing of a possible bridge replacement. The purpose of the current environmental documentation phase is to come up with a recommendation regarding the proposed alternatives (including the "no-build") and to obtain environmental clearance to proceed. Once TxDOT has received environmental clearance for the project (anticipated to be sometime in 2008), the timing for bridge construction will depend on the availability of funding. With the use of innovative financing, bridge construction would be accelerated and might begin as soon as 2010- 2015.

6. Why will it take so long to replace Harbor Bridge?
Answer: The process of planning and building a project of this size takes many years (see project timeline). TxDOT completed a feasibility study in 2003 and is now compiling the environmental documentation and preparing the schematic design for a possible bridge replacement. During these stages of the project, public input is sought and considered. If the project is given the go-ahead, the right-of-way must be obtained, the detailed design developed, and the bridge constructed. Throughout the entire process, various state and federal agencies must review and approve the environmental documentation and the proposed plans. Furthermore, TxDOT must obtain the funding to build a bridge, if that is the selected alternative.

7. How much will a new bridge cost to build?
Answer: At this point, TxDOT estimates that it may cost about $500-600 million to build a new bridge and the associated approaches and tie-ins, should the final decision be made to replace Harbor Bridge.

8. What would a new bridge look like?
Answer: Harbor Bridge is currently a steel truss-style bridge over a highly corrosive saltwater environment. It is still too early in the process to determine the look of a new bridge. Local citizens will have a chance to offer ideas about the design of a new bridge during a Design Guideline Workshop to be held in 2007. At that time, the bridge architects and planners will present some possible bridge design ideas and will seek ideas from the public.

9. Will I be able to walk or bicycle across a new bridge?
Answer: Currently the existing Harbor Bridge does not provide any bicycle lanes and the sidewalk is closed to the public; however, the City of Corpus Christi and Nueces County have identified Harbor Bridge as a desired link in their recently adopted Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plans.

The plan is for any new bridge to provide access for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as motor vehicles.

10. Will there be a toll to drive on the new bridge?
Answer: Across the state, Texas is experiencing tremendous population growth and therefore the need for new roads to address increased traffic volumes. In the past, we have funded new facilities with gas tax revenues paid by every driver when he/she purchases gas. However, the gas tax at its current level does not raise enough money to build and maintain new roads.

TxDOT must look at all potential sources of funding, including tolls for new highway routes and added lanes on existing routes. Without some type of innovative funding, projects will be delayed or cancelled for lack of funds.

Corpus Christi is one of eight metropolitan areas of Texas that has developed a Metropolitan Mobility Plan to address the use of new types of financing to increase local mobility.

In the case of the Harbor Bridge, TxDOT is considering various types of funding mechanisms including "managed" lanes for any added capacity on a new bridge. In other words, if the new bridge were to have eight lanes instead of the current six, those two new lanes might be managed lanes with a toll. Because it is TxDOT's policy not to toll existing capacity, the replacement of the current six lanes would not be tolled.

Therefore, drivers would have a choice of driving in non-tolled lanes or paying to drive in a managed lane. The advantage to a driver of using a managed lane would be a shortened drive time across the bridge during periods of traffic congestion.

11. How much would I pay for the toll?
Answer: If TxDOT determines that managed lanes are needed to provide funding for a new bridge, the agency will determine the amount of the toll on the basis of the projected future traffic across the bridge and the costs of constructing and maintaining the bridge.

12. Where would a new bridge cross the Corpus Christi Ship Channel?
Answer: The location has not yet been determined. The Feasibility Study completed in 2003 identified four possible corridors and identified one of those as a preferred alternative. However, the Federal Highway Administration has asked TxDOT to look at several of these alternatives (including the no-build) during the environmental documentation/schematic design phase of the project.

13. How would a new bridge tie into the existing road system in Corpus Christi?
Answer: The schematic design currently being developed will evaluate various options for connecting a new Harbor Bridge and its approaches to the Crosstown Expressway (SH 286). Public input on access ramps and approaches is being considered throughout this process.

14. How will a new bridge affect neighborhoods near the old bridge?
Answer: During the environmental documentation process, TxDOT will be considering the impact of any new structure on the nearby neighborhood homes and businesses. These impacts will be described in the EIS. Comments from the public about potential neighborhood impacts are important input.

15. How can I participate in the Harbor Bridge project?
Answer: Public involvement is a key element of the Harbor Bridge project. You can participate in the project in a number of ways. At the project's public meetings and hearing, you can learn more about the project and provide comments. You can join the Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC), which has regular informal meetings with TxDOT to exchange information. You should also continue to monitor the project website for new developments.

16. What is the Citizens' Advisory Committee?
Answer: The Citizens' Advisory Committee (CAC) offers the community an opportunity for a timely exchange of information with TxDOT about the Harbor Bridge project. During these meetings, TxDOT and its consultant provide a project status report and seek the group's input on upcoming public involvement activities. The committee meets about twice a year (more frequently if needed) both in Corpus Christi and in Portland.

17. How can I become a Citizens' Advisory Committee member?
Answer: Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the project and a commitment to attend meetings. Contact the TxDOT project manager for more information.